The senators accused the three aides, including Macron's chief of staff, of contradictions in their testimony over the scandal triggered by a video showing Alexandre Benalla roughing up protesters. The so-called Benalla affair caused major embarrassment for Macron, and a wave of accusations from opponents that his presidency tried to cover it up. The committee named Macron's chief of staff Patrick Strzoda, presidency secretary Alexis Kohler and security chief Lionel Lavergne, who may have "withheld significant truth" during their testimony. (Image from the video showing Benalla arresting protesters.) "Several aides to the presidency of the republic... revealed a number of omissions, inconsistencies and contradictions," it said.

Source: The Local February 20, 2019 12:11 UTC