Pierre-Édouard Stérin Defies Parliament Again: Justice System Now Involved After Second No-Show
French billionaire Pierre-Édouard Stérin, known for his conservative political activism, once again refused to appear before the parliamentary commission investigating the organization of elections in France. This second no-show in less than a week prompted commission chairman Thomas Cazenave to refer the matter to the Paris public prosecutor on Tuesday, May 20.
“Nothing justifies Mr. Stérin placing himself above the laws of the Republic,” said the centrist MP, condemning what he called contempt toward the National Assembly. Stérin, who made his fortune with the Smartbox gift box company, is at the heart of political controversy over his financial support of right-wing movements. Through his organization Périclès — an acronym for Rooted Patriotic Resistant Identitarian Christian Liberal European Sovereignists — he has pledged up to €150 million over ten years to fund conservative media, think tanks, and political candidates.
Refusal to Appear May Carry Legal Consequences
Under French law, failing to appear before a parliamentary commission can result in up to two years in prison and a €7,500 fine. Currently based in Belgium, Stérin cited “death threats” to justify his absence and filed a complaint with the Paris court on Monday. Authorities, however, claim the Interior Ministry had offered to guarantee his safety.
Speaking via video on CNews Tuesday morning from his home, Stérin downplayed the summons, calling it a “pretext” used by MPs who “just want to show off in front of the cameras.”
Conservative Influence Network Under Scrutiny
The commission is closely examining the structure and influence of Périclès. Its director, Arnaud Rérolle, testified earlier in May, describing the group as a “nursery for metapolitical projects” aimed at disseminating conservative ideas in the public sphere. By the end of the year, Périclès is expected to have funded nearly 90 projects, with a total of €28 million.
Despite repeated warnings from lawmakers and National Assembly President Yaël Braun-Pivet, who urged him to “respect his obligations,” Pierre-Édouard Stérin remains defiant. The standoff between the billionaire and Parliament now appears headed for the courts.
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