Marine Le Pen, the leader of France’s far-right National Rally, is facing a trial that may determine her political future. Accused of embezzling EU parliamentary funds to pay party staff, Le Pen and 24 National Rally officials could face up to 10 years in prison and €1 million in fines. The real threat, however, is the potential ineligibility to run for president in 2027. The trial, set to conclude on November 27, has been marked by Le Pen’s defiance, dismissing the accusations as politically motivated.
During court proceedings, Le Pen has argued that the work of parliamentary aides was legitimate and served MEPs’ activities, including those with political dimensions linked to the party’s objectives. Prosecutors, led by Louise Neyton, claim that the alleged misuse of funds was systematic and damaged democratic integrity. The accusations date back to an alert raised in 2015 by the then-European Parliament President, which suggested that National Rally aides were working for the party rather than MEPs as required by EU regulations.
Despite the trial, Le Pen remains committed to her political goals and has drawn parallels to Donald Trump, who continued to pursue the US presidency despite legal challenges. As the court deliberates on the defendants’ actions, including whether they coordinated their testimonies, the fate of Le Pen’s political career hangs in the balance. Outside the courtroom, Le Pen expressed support for Trump and indicated she plans to remain undeterred by legal obstacles, signaling her determination to continue her political ambitions.
Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com
