France’s Macron orders shake-up of presidency after bodyguard scandal

French President Emmanuel Macron ordered a shake-up of his office after acknowledging failings in the way the presidency handled a scandal over his top bodyguard who was filmed beating a protester on May Day, a source close to the Elysee said.

Benalla was also placed under investigation along with three other police officers who are suspected of having passed on official video surveillance material to Benalla to help him prepare his defence. Benalla has not commented publicly on the allegations against him.

French media reported that Benalla, 26, had been granted perks by the presidency such as an apartment in a high-class Paris area and a chauffeur-driven car. He had also been given the highest level of security clearance to the lower house of parliament.