🏛️ Macron appoints Amélie de Montchalin as head of Court of Auditors amid conflict-of-interest concerns

Oneliner

President Emmanuel Macron has nominated Amélie de Montchalin as the first female president of the Court of Auditors, sparking controversy over potential conflicts of interest. Critics argue that de Montchalin, who authored the 2026 budget, cannot impartially review it. The appointment, which guarantees her position until the age of 68, raises concerns about the politicization of the independent auditing body and its implications for future presidential appointments.

Key points

• Amélie de Montchalin nominated as the first female president of the Court of Auditors.
• Her appointment raises significant conflict-of-interest concerns regarding the 2026 budget she authored.
• Critics argue this move politicizes the independent auditing body.
• De Montchalin's role guarantees job security until the age of 68, potentially influencing future presidential appointments.

Links

• 20minutes: Qui est Amélie de Montchalin, ministre « techno » à Bercy bientôt à la Cour des comptes ?
• Politico: Macron's pick to audit the French budget is the person who wrote it

Facts

• Amélie de Montchalin was born on June 19, 1985, in Lyon.
• She has held four ministerial positions since 2017, including Public Action and Accounts.
• The Court of Auditors is responsible for auditing the French budget annually.
• De Montchalin's appointment ensures job security until the age of 68.

Quotes

• How will [de] Montchalin be able to criticize the budgets she designed? — Anonymous financial magistrate
• Everyone understands the danger that this institution, one in which the French people have confidence, would face. — Eric Coquerel

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