Belgian court to mull Cresson fraud charge

15 June 2004

BRUSSELS – A Brussels court will decide later this month whether there is enough evidence to try former French Prime Minister Edith Cresson on fraud charges that led to the en masse resignation of the European Commission in 1999, it was reported on Tuesday.

The court should decide by June 29 whether to indict Cresson and six other suspects accused of embezzlement that allegedly occurred during Cresson’s term as European commissioner in charge of research from 1995-99.

Allegations that Cresson engaged in cronyism, nepotism and mismanagement brought down the whole EU executive in March 1999.

Cresson, who was France’s first female prime minister, is also scheduled to appear before the European Commission on June 30 to answer questions relating to her time in Brussels.

The EU executive is investigating whether Cresson fulfilled her duties as a commissioner.

Subject: Belgian news