Mr Dumas has insisted that he did not know Ms Deviers-Joncour's role as an Elf lobbyist during their affair.

BBC: French ex-minister spared jail term

Mr Dumas' trial heard that the mistress, Christine Deviers-Joncour, showered him with luxury gifts, paid for by Elf to win his influence.

BBC: French ex-minister spared jail term

CSF, asked another, Elf, to lobby Mr Dumas on its behalf, with Mrs Deviers-Joncour using her powers to blunt Mr Dumas's initial opposition.

ECONOMIST: Not for long in prison��but who will follow him?