France launches public inquiry into tax fraud scandal

France 24

Former French budget minister Jerome Cahuzac. AFP Photo

France’s parliament on Tuesday launched a high-profile public inquiry into a major tax fraud scandal which has shaken confidence in the country’s Socialist government and called President François Hollande’s leadership into question.

The special parliamentary commission is expected to examine the government’s role in the scandal, in which former budget minister Jérôme Cahuzac repeatedly lied about owning an undeclared Swiss bank account.

Some of the country’s most influential and powerful politicians will be interviewed as part of the investigation, including Finance Minister Pierre Moscovici, Interior Minister Manuel Valls and Justice Minister Christiane Taubira. Cahuzac will also be questioned over the incident.

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