French presidential candidate Fillon under formal investigation
François Fillon was formally charged on Tuesday after allegedly awarding his wife a "fake job" during his time as prime minister of the country between 2007 and 2012.
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The presidential candidate has suffered badly in polls since the reports surfaced from the Le Canard Enchainé that his wife Penelope was paid €680,000 for non-existent work as a political aide.
Other family members have been subject to investigation regarding the scandal.
The first round of elections for the French presidency are set to take place in April, with centrist Emmanuel Macron and National Front leader Marine Le Pen currently topping the major polls.
Fillon has said previously that if he is charged with diversion of public funds that he will drop out of the race, having dropped from the favourite's position in recent weeks.