Overview

• Valérie Pécresse was heard Friday by Paris gendarmerie investigators in the case, her entourage told AFP, confirming Mediapart's report.
• It was not clear whether she was questioned as a witness or under formal suspicion, and the Paris prosecutor's office did not comment.
• Investigators are examining whether staff hired as chargés de mission actually carried out political adviser functions.
• The probe was opened in February 2020 after a referral from the regional audit chamber, which flagged persistent HR irregularities and a wage bill that did not fall despite fewer employees.
• Regional offices were searched earlier in September, and Pécresse's entourage maintains the positions were administrative roles serving residents.