Paris (AFP)

At the Elysee polls trial, the court began Tuesday to delve into the functioning of the presidency of the Republic under Sarkozy, whose right-hand man, Claude Guéant, was described as a "man of absolute power".

The hearing began with a dramatic turn of events, the president of the court asking for the arrival on November 2 of Nicolas Sarkozy, if necessary "by the police", for his hearing as a witness.

The former head of state is not being prosecuted in this case because it is covered by presidential immunity.

Cited by the Anticor association, civil party, he had let it be known by a letter to the court that he refused this deposition.

In an unprecedented decision, the court therefore forced him to do so.

The former chief of staff Emmanuelle Mignon, explained in a quick and sure voice that the functions within the presidency were not governed by a text but determined by successive presidents.

The former State Councilor, now a lawyer, confirmed to have been "very embarrassed" in her functions by a "two-headed" organization with the chief of staff of the Elysee, but also by the "discredit" of which she was. the object, a "painful memory".

“The one who speaks best of Claude Guéant is the President of the Republic (Sarkozy). He says: + he is a man of absolute power. + Claude Guéant exercised his functions by being a man of absolute power. took care not to let any pole emerge around him. After that, it was his mode of government ... ", she declared.

The former secretary general of the presidency Claude Guéant (c), and (left) Patrick Buisson, Pierre Giacometti, Emmanuelle Mignon and Julien Vaulpré during the opening of the trial in the so-called Elysee polls case, the October 18, 2021 in Paris Benoit PEYRUCQ AFP

"Deprived of part of her attributions", she wanted to resign four months after her appointment but will finally leave after a year, becoming an advisor.

Refuting any "enmity" and assuring "respect" Mr. Guéant, she felt that it was during the campaign, when she had started to be an "important element of the device", that their relations had deteriorated.

Would there have been jealousy?

"This is absolutely inaccurate," said Mr. Guéant then.

Then secretary general - he will become Minister of the Interior in 2011 - he described himself as an "animator", "conductor" of a "team of about fifty people".

Saying that he had "a lot of consideration" for Emmanuelle Mignon, he said that with "very strong personalities" within the team, he had "one imperative: that of consistency".

"I do not feel that I have exercised absolute power," he said.

Former President Nicolas Sarkozy leaving his home, October 18, 2021 in Paris STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN AFP

Both are suspected of favoritism and negligent embezzlement of public funds for having organized or signed consulting and polling contracts for a total amount of 7.5 million euros of public money.

© 2021 AFP