The justice system is investigating the compensations of a member of the National Rally, suspected of receiving over 63,000 euros improperly. The former police officer claims it was an administrative error, but the HATVP and the financial prosecutor continue their verifications.
According to revelations from Le Canard enchaîné, RN deputy Michaël Taverne is under investigation for possibly receiving undue pay. Elected in the 12th district of Nord in 2022 and re-elected in 2024, this former police officer allegedly continued to receive his civil servant salary alongside his parliamentary income. The total amount in question exceeds 63,000 euros, which goes against the rules since the Electoral Code requires civil servants holding a parliamentary mandate to take a leave of absence, suspending their original pay.
The individual does not dispute the facts but attributes the responsibility to an administrative dysfunction. He claims to have requested a leave of absence from the Ministry of the Interior immediately after his election. However, a few months later, an order allegedly placed him on detachment status, keeping his salary intact. “My salary continued to be paid without my control,” he explained to La Voix du Nord, stating that he informed the administration in 2023 without a response.
This situation persisted for months until it caught the attention of the High Authority for Transparency in Public Life (HATVP) in the fall of 2024. The organization, responsible for overseeing the integrity of public officials, then forwarded the case to the justice system.
An investigation was launched in June 2025 by the national financial prosecutor for “concussion,” an offense that involves knowingly receiving undue payments as a public official. This offense carries a penalty of up to five years in prison, as mentioned by the source.
While awaiting judicial conclusions, a portion of the funds has been seized, including a monthly deduction from the deputy’s parliamentary allowance and a withdrawal from his life insurance. Michaël Taverne expressed frustration, stating, “I am presumed guilty… The administration made a mistake, and I am being blamed for it. We have appealed, but it is not suspensive.”
