Cresson scandal: fresh bid to recover fees

Date: 15/02/01

By John Shelley

THE European Commission is set to re-launch legal proceedings to recover €70,000 from the estate of a dentist hired by former member Edith Cresson as an advisor on HIV research.

René Berthelot, a personal friend of Cresson's, produced only a 24-page document on the subject during his 18-month stint working for the EU. The ensuing scandal severely tarnished the former French prime minister's reputation and helped bring down the Santer Commission.

Now, one year after Berthelot's death, the EU executive has decided to lodge a civil case in the French courts demanding that his widow and son hand over the cash he was paid during his time working as an advisor on European research policy.

The money includes the fees paid to Berthelot during his time in the post between 1995 and 1997, as well as the cost of 13 field trips he took to Chatelerault, Cresson's home town.

Berthelot's employment was the single biggest scandal uncovered by the committee of wise men who wrote the report that led to the downfall of the Santer Commission.

Instead of actively working for the Union executive, it was alleged that Berthelot had been receiving money to run personal political favours for Cresson, who was the Research and Development chief.

"The Commission feels we have a very strong case," said spokesman Steve Morris. "The independent experts came up with very convincing evidence that the European taxpayer should not have funded Berthelot's activities, or rather lack of activities."

The Prodi Commission originally launched proceedings to recover the money in 1999, a move which Berthelot fought, saying he had a legal contract with the Commission that he had fulfilled.

His death last year put an end to that action, but the EU executive is now preparing a new legal case, due to be launched later this month, to reclaim the money from his estate.

"There was a delay immediately after his death where the Commission did not bombard his family with demands, but it has now renewed its resolve to asserting the interest of the European taxpayer," said Morris.

Cresson now works for a schools project in Paris.

The European Commission is set to re-launch legal proceedings to recover €70,000 from the estate of a dentist hired by former member Edith Cresson as an advisor on HIV research.