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The Romanian magistrate Laura Kovesi, one of the favorites to lead the future European Public Prosecutor's Office, here in Bucharest, on March 29, 2019. George Calin / AFP

France supports the candidacy of the Romanian Laura Kovesi to lead the future European Public Prosecutor's Office. This was confirmed Tuesday at a press conference in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Dacian Ciolos, Romanian MEP and leader of the centrist and liberal Renaissance group. Information also confirmed to RFI by a source close to President Emmanuel Macron who said that the Elysee withdraws its support to the French candidate, Jean-Francois Bohnert.

Paris will therefore support Laura Kovesi as European prosecutor, a new body that will be operational by the end of 2020. According to the entourage of the French president, support for the Romanian candidacy aims to ensure a " geographical balance ". posts "and to mark France's commitment to" the rule of law ".

And so far, no key position in the European institutions has returned to Eastern European countries. If her candidacy is confirmed, 46-year-old Laura Kovesi, the bane of politicians and senior officials in her country, whose dozens have fallen for corruption, will have to tackle the fight against financial fraud.

This former basketball player, vice-champion of Europe junior, has become for some Romanians a symbol. Hailed for her courage and her investigations, also recognized for her professionalism, Laura Kovesi was promoted by France in 2016 knight of the Legion of Honor.

The magistrate is almost unanimous in Europe to lead the future European prosecutor. Only one country strongly opposes it : Romania.

► To listen and read also: Romania opposed to the appointment of L. Codruţa Kövesi Head of the European Public Prosecutor's Office