France

Sarkozy pays back thousands after expenses mistake

Article published on the 2009-07-17 Latest update 2009-07-17 15:50 TU

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, flanked by security officers, returns to his hotel after jogging in New York's Central Park Friday.
(Photo: Reuters)

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has reimbursed 14,000 euros in personal expenses that accountants found had been mistakenly paid for by the state.

The error came to light in the first state audit of a French leader’s expenses since Louis XVI in the 18th century. The auditors said that Sarkozy had not known that the costs went through the Elysée Palace accounts.

No details were given about the nature of the expenses. The national auditor, Philippe Séguin, suggested that certain costs, such as spending on travel and maintenance, could be cut.

“Significant progress has been accomplished, but the road ahead is still long,” said Séguin.

The audit breaks with a long tradition of opacity surrounding the expenditures of the head of state. Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni arrived in New York on Friday.

The French president is scheduled to meet UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for a working lunch. On Saturday, Sarkozy is to attend a concert in honor of Nelson Mandela, during which his wife Carla will sing for the South African leader.