A prominent political figure in France is now standing trial in Paris, accused of attempting to drug a fellow politician. The case has sent shockwaves through the nation’s political establishment.
The defendant, a 68-year-old former senator from western France, is alleged to have laced a glass of champagne with a controlled substance and served it to a 50-year-old member of parliament from his own political camp in late 2023. The MP, a colleague he had known for years, reported experiencing severe heart palpitations, nausea, and a loss of motor control after consuming the drink. She managed to leave the residence and seek help.
Prosecutors have charged the former senator with drug possession and with administering a substance to facilitate a sexual assault. The accused has denied any intent to commit such an assault, with his defense previously suggesting the incident was an accident. He resigned from his senatorial position last year.
The MP involved has since become a leading voice in legislative efforts to combat drug-facilitated crimes. She co-authored a major parliamentary report on the subject and has worked with advocacy groups to raise public awareness.
According to her account, the meeting was initially planned for a restaurant but was moved to the senator’s home. Upon arriving alone, she accepted a drink but grew suspicious of his persistent encouragement to consume more. She reported noticing a strange taste and later observed a suspicious sachet near the glasses. Feeling her condition deteriorate rapidly, she used a ride-sharing application to escape and was aided by colleagues and emergency services.
The trial is expected to examine digital evidence, including the defendant’s internet activity prior to the alleged event. Under French law, administering a substance to commit a sexual assault carries a potential prison sentence of up to five years, with an additional ten years possible for the drug charge.
The proceedings are being closely watched as a significant test of the judicial system’s handling of such allegations within the highest circles of public life.