France launches investigation into former Health Minister because of pandemic

Prosecutors said Buzyn is being investigated for risking the lives of others, after having left the top post in February 2020 to compete for Paris chairmanship, in order to fail.

A special court will decide whether the former minister will be prosecuted. This is one of the first cases in the world that a minister or minister is held accountable to the pandemic management law.

During a session held Friday, Buzyn said he welcomes the opportunity to clear up and establish the truth. She added that she will not allow her actions or government to be discredited, as, according to her, much has been done to prepare the country for the global health crisis.

Buzyn was named Minister of Health in May 2017 and had resigned just weeks after confirming the first cases with Covid-19 in France, writes the BBC, broadcasting Express.

Last year, she lost the French capital's mayoral race because Mrs. Anne Hidalgo won the post. The former minister and the former doctor later joined the cabinet of World Health Organisation Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebrreesus in January of this year.

The court is investigating accusations of negligence about providing protective equipment for health staff and uncertainty during issuing advice on the use of masks.

By contrast, France has founded the Court of Justice of the Republic in 1993 to investigate government ministers charged with violations. This court is now handling the case of former minister Buzyn.