Le directeur de Périclès sur le grill à l’Assemblée : tout ce qu’il faut retenir de cette audition... et du rôle qu'y a joué « l'Humanité » - L'Humanité

The Pericles Project Under Scrutiny

A parliamentary commission in France investigated the Pericles project, a plan orchestrated by billionaire Pierre-Édouard Stérin, aiming to increase the influence of the far-right. The project, revealed by L'Humanité, seeks to achieve ideological, political, and electoral victories.

Key Objectives and Methods

Périclès aims to influence public debate and sway elections by:

• Building an extensive network to support far-right candidates
• Utilizing resources including big data, media, personnel, and funding
• Employing legal strategies against political adversaries
• Developing strategies to discredit opposing viewpoints

The project's director, Arnaud Rérolle, faced questioning about its legality and transparency.

Concerns Raised

The commission expressed concerns about potential violations of campaign finance laws, particularly given Périclès's ambition and scope. The project's methods prompted comparisons to American-style political strategies, raising questions about its adherence to French regulations.

Deflections and Counterarguments

Rérolle defended the project's transparency and legal compliance, attempting to deflect scrutiny by suggesting that similar funding efforts exist on the left. However, the commission emphasized the unique aspects of the Périclès project as described in L'Humanité's revelations.

The Role of L'Humanité

The investigation was triggered largely by information published by L'Humanité, highlighting the newspaper's pivotal role in exposing the Pericles project and its potential implications for French elections and the political landscape.