Nicolas Sarkozy investigated for excess spending

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, a potential candidate in 2017, was taken for questioning by investigating magistrates about a scandal over excess spending in his unsuccessful 2012 re-election campaign.

A judicial source said Mr Sarkozy, leader of the centre-right opposition Republicans, had been notified in advance that the summons could lead to his being placed under formal examination, which would be a prelude to a possible trial.

He was driven to the headquarters of the Paris financial prosecutors’ office to be questioned about the so-called Bygmalion affair.