Under formal investigation - IMF chief Christine Lagarde.
It's over her alleged role in a long-running political fraud case.
Lagarde was previously questioned by magistrates in Paris as a witness.
But Political Sciences professor Christian Delporte says the move doesn't mean she's guilty .
(SOUNDBITE) (French) POLITICAL SCIENCES PROFESSOR CHRISTIAN DELPORTE SAYING:
"There is still the presumption of innocence. But still, it adds to all the formal investigations into the right-wing and Christine Lagarde could have been an alternative for the right in 2017 and this today jeopardises her chances."
Lagarde reportedly considers the decision to investigate her now for alleged "negligence" unfounded and will appeal.
Pierre Briancon is from Reuters Breakingviews.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) REUTERS BREAKINGVIEWS COLUMNIST, PIERRE BRIANCON, SAYING:
"It will just be like a big shadow over her remaining term. The judiciary and those types of things
