Prosecutor Denies Élysée Search as France Probes Panthéon Contract Awards

Overview

• Financial prosecutors, who visited the presidential palace Tuesday, said they were refused entry and searched other locations including private apartments.
• Officials confirmed an inquiry into suspected favoritism and corruption in public contracts for Panthéon induction ceremonies in Paris.
• The Élysée said it handed over staff documents after citing constitutional protection for the president’s offices.
• Le Canard Enchaîné reported that one company, named Shortcut Events, ran the ceremonies for about two decades and billed roughly €2 million per event.
• Opened in December 2023, the probe follows reports tying the firm to last year’s D‑Day anniversary and could trigger tighter checks on ceremonial procurement.