“The rule of law has been systematically violated,” he said adding “The presumption of innocence has been entirely eliminated.”
“It is indeed a political assassination. But it's not just me they are killing, it is also the presidential election itself.”
“It is the freedom of the vote and democracy that is being violently attacked,” he added.
So what's next…
He is set to meet with magistrates on March 15th where he will be formally placed under official investigation. Fillon is likely to remain under formal investigation until the election, the first round of which is on April 23rd.
His refusal to step aside means he will now have to campaign with a cloud over his head, but he says only the French public can judge him.
We will soon find out what they think.