Sarkozy under fire over surveys

EX-PRESIDENT Sarkozy is embroiled in scandal over claims of favouritism and misuse of public funds.

Anti-corruption organisation Anticor is taking legal action over allegedly excessive amounts that were paid by the Elysée under Sarkozy for the carrying out of opinion polls.

It is also alleged that favouritism was shown in choice of survey bodies and contracts were given without proper formalities.

The kind of matter referred to is the €1.5million that was paid in 2008 to Publicfact, a consultancy run by Patrick Buisson, an adviser to Sarkozy, according to online news site Rue 89.

Anticor also started legal action in 2010, but the enquiry was blocked due to presidential immunity.

In its new submission it has widened its accusations and is using as evidence documents provided by a green activist, Raymond Avrillier.

The association says agreements were made for surveys “without a definition of the need for them by the public body commissioning them, without a consultation for competition purposes and with no written account”.
Photo: European People's Party