On Wednesday, French prosecutors launched a probe into Fillon’s wife, Penelope, after Le Canard Enchaine satirical newspaper reported that little evidence existed of Penelope's actual work for her husband, despite her being his parliamentary attache in 1998-2002 when Fillon was the representative for the Sarthe region.
Fillon said on Thursday that he would take legal action against the media outlets alleging that his wife had been paid while on the post of parliamentary aide, without actually doing the job. The former prime minister stressed that the timing of the accusations against his wife was suspect.
According to Fillon, his wife has worked for him since his first election, editing his speeches, monitoring the press, speaking to visitors and when, in 1997, his parliamentary aide resigned, he offered the job to his wife.
Fillon is considered one of the front-runners in the upcoming French presidential elections, slated for April 23.
