Marine Le Pen faces trial as presidential ambitions hang in balance

Marine Le Pen, the leader of France’s far-right National Rally, is set to face judges in Paris on Monday in a trial that could determine the future of her political career. Le Pen, along with 25 party members, stands accused of embezzling European Parliament funds, a charge that threatens to derail her anticipated 2027 presidential bid.

The trial, which began last month, centers on accusations that Le Pen’s party misused EU parliamentary funds between 2004 and 2016, diverting money intended for parliamentary aides to instead pay party staff. Among the individuals allegedly paid with EU funds were Le Pen’s bodyguard and chief of staff.

Le Pen has fiercely denied the allegations, stating, “We did not violate any political and regulatory rules of the European Parliament,” and promising to present “solid arguments” in her defense. A guilty verdict could bring serious consequences, including up to 10 years in prison, fines reaching €1 million, and a potential ban on running for public office—an outcome that would be devastating to her presidential hopes.

Also Read:China unveils UR6000 tiltrotor drone, signalling shift in military aviation

With polls currently positioning Le Pen as the frontrunner for the 2027 election, the trial’s outcome could reshape France’s political landscape. The stakes are further raised by the fact that her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, the party’s founder, faced similar accusations but was exempt from prosecution due to health issues.

The trial is set to run until November 27, leaving Le Pen’s future and the far-right’s political momentum in France hanging in the balance.