Asset-based sanctions: severity without arbitrary confiscation
Assets may be affected by a judicial penalty, never by automatic political retaliation.
Existing confiscation law
French criminal law already provides for confiscation of instruments and proceeds, confiscation by value and, in defined cases, broader confiscation, while protecting good-faith third-party owners.
Constitutional constraint
Punitive sanctions must satisfy legality, necessity, proportionality and individualization. Automatic seizure solely because someone held office would therefore be highly vulnerable.
Working ladder
uses a three-level framework: individualized personal fine; confiscation connected to the offence under general law; and only as an option for expert review, a capped asset-based penalty for the most serious intentional violations.
Third parties
Spouses, children, co-owners, creditors and other good-faith parties must have their rights protected.
Working documents and data
Legal and institutional sources
French Constitution, Article 34
French fiscal council — official missions
Organic Budget Act, Article 61