Ferrand was later put under formal investigation in a financial impropriety case, according to a National Assembly statement.
Ferrand, who was probed in 2017 on suspicion of nepotism during his time as the head of a medical insurance firm in Brittany, stepped down earlier as Minister of Territorial Cohesion.
According to the French prosecution, Ferrand’s partner and ex-wife were reportedly able to win contracts from the fund while Ferrand was at its head. Ferrand’s partner also rented office space for the fund, later securing a business loan with the help of rental income from the organization.
Macron’s administration has repeatedly rejected speculation on a possible resignation by the minister in connection to the investigation.
The Ferrand scandal broke out after local media published revelations of him making a business deal with his romantic partner and employing his son as a parliamentary assistant.
According to French law, being "put under formal investigation" means there is "serious or consistent evidence" that points to the probable involvement of a suspect in a crime.
