Economics
IMF’s Lagarde in French Spotlight as Negligence Trial Begins
- Court has record of convicting ministers without jail time
- IMF board has expressed confidence in Lagarde despite charges
IMF's Lagarde Faces Negligence Charges as Trial Begins
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Christine Lagarde heads to court Monday in a case that promises to gain attention in France but is unlikely to have much bearing on her job as managing director of the International Monetary Fund.
Lagarde, 60, will stand trial on charges of negligence before a special panel that includes judges and French lawmakers. She is accused of failing to prevent a massive government payout to businessman Bernard Tapie eight years ago, while serving as France’s finance minister. Lagarde, who has denied the charges, could learn the verdict as early as Friday or the hearing may continue into next week.