PARIS (AP) – French voters just won’t tolerate corruption in politics anymore – that appears to be the message from the swift downfall of the country’s powerful security minister.
It’s a notable shift from the past, when influence peddling seemed endemic and politicians untouchable, even when they were accused of shocking scandals.
The change is the result of an aggressive new financial prosecutor, an unprecedented anti-corruption drive by President Francois Hollande, and growing public frustration with a political establishment seen as intent on enriching itself even as ordinary people suffer.
Hollande on Thursday inaugurated the French anti-corruption agency, a public organization focusing on business activity – the latest move in government efforts to fight corruption.
Five years ago, Hollande campaigned on the promise to make the French Republic “exemplary.” He probably didn’t think he would have so much clean up to do in his own camp.