A criminal investigation into former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, for allegedly soliciting secret campaign financing from France's richest woman. has been dropped, French media say, reports the BBC.
Mr Sarkozy has been left off a list of those to appear for trial over the "Bettencourt affair", Le Monde reports.
He had denied visiting L'Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt - alleged to be mentally frail - to solicit cash.
The decision could leave Mr Sarkozy clear to contest the 2017 election.
Although unpopular when he lost his attempt to be re-elected in 2012, opinion polls now suggest he would beat President Francois Hollande in a re-run.
The possibility of a criminal case against him has, therefore, gripped the media in France.
Read more of this report from the BBC.