Pierre-Edouard Stérin Requests Remote Hearing Amid Controversy
The financier and political figure has sought to conduct his testimony via videoconference after canceling previous appearances.
Pierre-Edouard Stérin, a financier with ties to the far-right in France, has requested to testify by videoconference before the National Assembly's inquiry committee regarding the organization of elections in France.
This request comes after he has canceled his appearance on two prior occasions.
Stérin expressed his willingness to cooperate with parliamentary questions in a press release issued on May 19, asserting his full availability for the session set for May 20. However, he insisted on a remote appearance, despite prior rejections of this format by the committee’s president, Thomas Cazenave, a member of the Ensemble pour la République party.
Stérin had previously been scheduled to appear on May 14 but did not attend, notifying the committee the day before.
His tactic of requesting a remote hearing is seen as a continuation of behavior observed during earlier summonses, including a missed appearance on April 23, when he also announced his absence at the last minute.
Following initial scheduling issues, a new hearing was organized for May 20. Still, Stérin reiterated his preference for a discussion via videoconference, citing unspecified 'security reasons' for his absence during a previously scheduled appearance.
On May 13, less than 24 hours before he was due to appear, Stérin requested a remote format again, which Cazenave noted could not be accommodated.
In response, Stérin indicated he had not made arrangements to travel to Paris for the hearing.
A subsequent meeting was arranged for May 20. Stérin's request for videoconferencing this time did not include his earlier security concerns; however, inquiries made to the Interior Ministry suggested that he could attend the National Assembly without risk.
Despite Cazenave's insistence on an in-person attendance, Stérin remains resolute in his request for a virtual format.
He characterized this approach as a testament to his intent to facilitate the parliamentary process.
Cazenave, however, has voiced hopes for Stérin's appearance in person, reminding that failure to appear could result in penalties, including a prison sentence of up to two years and a fine of €7,500.
This request comes after he has canceled his appearance on two prior occasions.
Stérin expressed his willingness to cooperate with parliamentary questions in a press release issued on May 19, asserting his full availability for the session set for May 20. However, he insisted on a remote appearance, despite prior rejections of this format by the committee’s president, Thomas Cazenave, a member of the Ensemble pour la République party.
Stérin had previously been scheduled to appear on May 14 but did not attend, notifying the committee the day before.
His tactic of requesting a remote hearing is seen as a continuation of behavior observed during earlier summonses, including a missed appearance on April 23, when he also announced his absence at the last minute.
Following initial scheduling issues, a new hearing was organized for May 20. Still, Stérin reiterated his preference for a discussion via videoconference, citing unspecified 'security reasons' for his absence during a previously scheduled appearance.
On May 13, less than 24 hours before he was due to appear, Stérin requested a remote format again, which Cazenave noted could not be accommodated.
In response, Stérin indicated he had not made arrangements to travel to Paris for the hearing.
A subsequent meeting was arranged for May 20. Stérin's request for videoconferencing this time did not include his earlier security concerns; however, inquiries made to the Interior Ministry suggested that he could attend the National Assembly without risk.
Despite Cazenave's insistence on an in-person attendance, Stérin remains resolute in his request for a virtual format.
He characterized this approach as a testament to his intent to facilitate the parliamentary process.
Cazenave, however, has voiced hopes for Stérin's appearance in person, reminding that failure to appear could result in penalties, including a prison sentence of up to two years and a fine of €7,500.
