top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Trierweiler ‘lives off taxpayer’

Supermarket heir accuses president’s ‘mistress’ of misappropriating public funds by living with him

VALERIE Trierweiler, the partner of President Hollande, has been accused of “misappropriating public funds” by living with Hollande while they are not married.

Xavier Kemlin, the great grandson of Casino supermarket founder Geoffroy Guichard, has complained to the magistrates court in Saint-Etienne that French taxpayers are paying for the way of life of the president’s “mistress” while she has no legal status.

He told Lyon newspaper Le Progrès: “I find it scandalous that our taxes are being used to house, feed, maintain, pay for staff and drive a lady with whom we have no legal link.”

Mr Kemlin, who lives in Switzerland, said Hollande and Ms Trierweiller would not get married because they “would have to pay ISF wealth tax” as Ms Trierweiller came from a “family of bankers”

Denouncing the “caviar Left,” he mocked the president, saying: “Marriage for all is good, as long as he does it!”

Mr Kemlin has become known as a champion of small shareholders and led a hunger strike outside the offices of supermarket chain Carrefour in 2011 to complain about poor management by major shareholder Bernard Arnault.

He is also a fan of AS Saint-Etienne football team – their stadium is named after Geoffroy Guichard – and last year sued eight Olympique Lyonnais players for mocking their Saint-Etienne rivals in a song after winning the Coupe de France. The players paid him €30,000, which he gave to charity.
Photo: Jackolan1

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Income Tax in France 2023 (for 2022 income)*
Featured Help Guide
- Primarily aimed at Britons, covers pensions, rent, ISAs, shares, savings and interest - and contains general information relevant to readers of other nationalities - Overview of online declarations + step-by-step guide to the French printed forms - Includes updates given automatically after this year's site opened
Get news, views and information from France