French Socialist MP barred from presidential primary over alleged ‘criminal’ behavior

PARIS — French Socialist lawmaker Philippe Brun was barred Wednesday from running in an internal presidential primary over unspecified allegations against him that “may constitute a criminal offense.” “The national leadership of the Socialist Party was informed last night of facts that may constitute a criminal offense involving candidate Philippe Brun,” the center-left party said in a statement. “The Socialist Party does not compromise on the defense of women’s rights, nor on the exemplary conduct that must be its own,” the statement added. Brun was also provisionally suspended from the party. Though Brun was seen as an outsider, he had received enough endorsements from party leaders to run in the internal primary.