French prosecutors said Wednesday they have opened an investigation into allegations that former French presidential candidate Ségolène Royal used expenses meant for her ambassadorial job to promote her side interests, reports FRANCE 24.
Royal, who unsuccessfully stood as the socialist candidate against Nicolas Sarkozy for the presidency in 2007, has since 2017 worked as an ambassador for the Polar Regions with responsibility for negotiating international agreements.
She has an annual expenses budget of 100,000 euros for her mission, as well as three staff members who are paid for by the foreign ministry.
The national prosecutors' office for financial crimes confirmed to AFP that Royal was under investigation.
The 66-year-old former environment minister, a key figure in left-wing politics, has denied the allegations which she has slammed as "insinuations" and "defamatory".
"Nothing new," she wrote on Twitter after the investigation was announced, saying she would make a further statement later.
France Info radio said Royal was suspected of using her staff to accompany her on missions unrelated to her official role, such as promoting her book and working for her foundation.
Even before the news of the investigation broke, Royal's future was in question after the government warned she faced dismissal for repeatedly criticising President Emmanuel Macron's policies, including his controversial pension reforms.
"Madam Ambassador, we are considering terminating your position in view of your recent public statements," read the letter jointly signed by the general secretaries of the foreign and environment ministries that Royal posted on her Facebook page.