French Billionaire Defends Conservative Push Ahead of Election

French billionaire Pierre-Edouard Sterin used his first appearance before lawmakers to openly defend his efforts to promote free-market and conservative ideas in France ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Appearing before a Senate inquiry into political financing, Sterin described his project as a long-term campaign to influence public debate and support right-wing policies.

Sterin denied any wrongdoing and said his organisation, Pericles, operates within the law. The Senate investigation is examining whether the billionaire’s network of charities, think tanks, and advocacy groups complies with political finance regulations. He said the objective is to expand the influence of conservative economic and social ideas across France.

The entrepreneur also reiterated his hardline views on immigration, supporting the deportation of foreign criminals, undocumented migrants, and long-term unemployed migrants. Sterin, who moved to Belgium in 2012 during former President François Hollande’s administration, said lower taxes abroad allowed him to devote more money to charitable projects in France.

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