Marine Le Pen, long-time leader of France’s far-right National Rally and a presidential contender, goes on trial in Paris on Monday, accused of misusing European parliamentary funds.
More than 20 senior members of her party are also facing similar charges, accused of employing assistants who worked on party matters rather than for the European Parliament, which paid their salaries.
If found guilty, Le Pen could face fines, imprisonment, and even disqualification from running for office for up to 10 years, jeopardizing her presidential ambitions.
Le Pen has denied any wrongdoing. Party spokesperson Laurent Jacobelli stated, “We will prove there was no system to embezzle EU funds.”
He also claimed it is possible to work as an assistant to a European parliamentarian while engaging in the activities of the National Rally, formerly known as the National Front.
Jean-Marie Le Pen, 96, founder of the National Front and Marine’s father, also faces charges but will not attend due to his poor health.
The alleged misuse of funds was first flagged in 2015 and pertains to contracts for parliamentary assistants between 2004 and 2016. Prosecutors claim one individual hired as an assistant was, in fact, working as a bodyguard for Marine and Jean-Marie Le Pen.
Prosecutors are seeking to recover more than €3 million (£2.5 million), although the RN has already repaid €1 million (£834,000), which it asserts does not imply guilt.
The trial is expected to last nearly two months.
Le Pen, who stepped down as party president in 2017, ran in the 2017 and 2022 presidential elections and is eyeing another possible run in 2027. Her party has consistently pushed for stricter immigration policies, such as limiting social welfare to French citizens, and advocated for law and order as well as tax cuts.
This trial coincides with President Emmanuel Macron appointing a right-wing government after the June and July legislative elections, where the left secured the most seats, while the far-right performed below expectations.
