Marine Le Pen faces trial over alleged misuse of EU funds

Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s far-right National Rally and a prominent presidential contender, goes on trial in Paris today, facing charges of misusing European Union parliamentary funds. The trial, which could derail her political career, involves allegations that Le Pen and over 20 other senior party figures used EU funds intended for parliamentary assistants to instead pay staff working on party affairs.

Prosecutors claim that some of the alleged “assistants” hired between 2004 and 2016 were fulfilling unrelated roles, including acting as bodyguards for Le Pen and her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen. If found guilty, Le Pen could face significant fines, imprisonment, and a ban from running for public office for up to 10 years, jeopardizing her potential run in the 2027 presidential election.

Le Pen denies the charges, with National Rally spokesperson Laurent Jacobelli defending the party, stating, “We are going to prove that there is no system to embezzle money from the EU.” He added that it is “possible to be an assistant to a European parliamentarian and get involved in the life of the RN.”

The accusations were first raised in 2015, and prosecutors are seeking to recover over €3 million in misused funds. Although the party has repaid €1 million, it insists this is not an admission of guilt.

The trial is set to last two months, casting a shadow over Le Pen’s political ambitions as she prepares for another possible presidential campaign in 2027. Despite her re-election to parliament in 2022, this legal battle could mark a significant hurdle for her far-right movement, which has long positioned itself as the voice against immigration and for law and order in France.

Her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, 96, also faces charges but will not attend the trial due to his health. As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome could reshape the future of the National Rally and its role in French politics.