Marine Le Pen, the long-time leader of France’s far-right National Rally (RN) and a presidential contender, goes on trial in Paris for allegedly misusing European parliamentary funds. More than 20 senior party officials are also implicated, accused of hiring assistants for party work instead of parliamentary duties, which were funded by the European Parliament.If convicted, Le Pen faces possible fines, imprisonment, and disqualification from running for office for up to 10 years, which would seriously impact her presidential hopes. She denies any wrongdoing. Party spokesperson Laurent Jacobelli stated, "We are going to prove there was no system of embezzling EU funds." He argued that it is possible to work as a parliamentary assistant while also being involved in party affairs.