Minister question in L'Oréal case
Woerth has denied receiving illegal cash donations for President Nicolas Sarkozy's 2007 election campaign from L'Oral cosmetics heiress Liliane Bettencourt, 87, the woman at the centre of the probe into alleged tax evasion and money laundering. Despite being cleared by an official report of any interference in Bettencourt's tax affairs when he was budget minister, Mr Woerth continues to face allegations that he used his influence to secure a position for his wife with a company that manages part of Bettencourt's fortune.
"The public prosecutor has officially requested Eric Woerth be questioned," the prosecutor's spokesman said. Mr Sarkozy's office said the cabinet would authorise the minister to testify. Mr Woerth in a radio interviesaid. "I never asked anyone to employ my wife, ever,"