French Presidential Palace Raided By Investigators: Here's What Happened

Last Updated:April 14, 2026, 19:57 IST

The raid was carried out as part of an investigation into an events firm that was repeatedly given contracts to organise major state memorial ceremonies.

Financial investigators have raided the Elysee Palace, the official residence of French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, as part of a corruption probe linked to public contracts awarded to an events company, according to reports.

A source told AFP that officers from the financial and anti-corruption unit carried out the raid on Tuesday as part of an investigation into an events firm that was repeatedly given contracts to organise major state memorial ceremonies.

French newspaper Le Canard Enchaine reported that investigators are examining why Shortcut Events was selected for more than two decades, until 2024, to organise ceremonies at the Pantheon in Paris. The Pantheon is a national mausoleum where France honours some of its most prominent historical figures.

According to the newspaper, each ceremony cost around €2 million. The probe is reportedly focused on whether the contract awards followed proper procedures.

The last known event organised by the company was in 2024, when France honoured Missak Manouchian, a stateless Armenian poet and member of the Resistance who fought against Nazi occupation during World War II. In 2021, French-American entertainer and civil rights activist Josephine Baker became the first Black woman to be inducted into the Pantheon.

About Elysee Palace

The Elysee Palace, where the raid reportedly took place, serves as the official residence of the President of France. Located in central Paris, it is the centre of French executive power, hosting key state meetings, diplomatic events, and major political decisions.

The building was constructed between 1718 and 1722 as a private aristocratic mansion for the Count of Evreux. It only became the presidential residence in 1848 and has remained the seat of France’s head of state since then, except for brief interruptions during periods of political change.

Authorities have not issued an official statement on the raid so far.

(With inputs from AFP)

News world French Presidential Palace Raided By Investigators: Here's What Happened

Read More