French ‘sex assaults’ minister resigns
A preliminary investigation was opened last week against George Tron, who served as a junior civil service minister, after two women alleged that he had attacked them between 2007 and 2010.
One of the women said she was inspired to come forward after a housekeeper at a luxury Manhattan hotel claimed she was sexually assaulted by Mr Strauss-Kahn, 62, a leading presidential hopeful in next year’s elections for the rival Socialist Party. He resigned his post as International Monetary Fund chief after charges were filed in New York.
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Hide AdMr Tron, 53, is a member of President Nicolas Sarkozy’s conservative UMP party who joined the government just over a year ago.
Mr Tron’s resignation appeared to be damage control as Mr Sarkozy primps his image for a likely re-election bid in the presidential race in a year’s time. The popular Mr Strauss-Kahn had been expected to run as the Socialist candidate for president.
Both Mr Tron and Mr Strauss-Kahn have denied any wrongdoing.
No replacement for Mr Tron was immediately announced. It was widely reported that Budget Minister Francois Baroin would absorb Mr Tron’s functions, seamlessly filling the void in a move to keep the spotlight off the government.
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Hide AdA statement from Prime Minister Francois Fillon’s office noted Mr Tron has denied the allegations and praised him for acting in the “general interest”.
Mr Tron’s lawyer, Olivier Schnerb, has said the allegations against him are “unjust” and he has received instructions from his client to sue the women for “malicious slander”.