- Marine Le Pen goes on trial for alleged misuse of EU funds
- Over 20 National Rally officials face similar charges
- A conviction could jeopardize Le Pen’s 2027 presidential bid
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.
The trial, which could last nearly two months, also implicates Le Pen’s father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, 96, who founded the National Front (now RN). Although he faces charges, he will not attend the trial due to poor health. Prosecutors claim the alleged misuse of funds took place between 2004 and 2016, with one assistant reportedly working as a bodyguard for both Le Pen and her father.
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Prosecutors aim to recover over €3 million (£2.5 million), of which the RN has already repaid €1 million (£834,000), though the party insists this is not an admission of guilt.
Le Pen, who stepped down as party leader in 2017, ran for president in 2017 and 2022 and may run again in 2027. Her platform focuses on anti-immigration policies, such as restricting social benefits to French citizens, law and order, and tax cuts.
The trial coincides with President Emmanuel Macron’s appointment of a right-wing government after legislative elections in June and July, where the far-right underperformed compared to expectations.
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