France’s far-right National Rally party, led by Marine Le Pen, is accused of misusing EU funds intended for parliamentary aides to pay party staff between 2004 and 2016. Le Pen appeared in a Paris court on Monday to face charges related to the alleged embezzlement of these European Parliament funds. The nine-week trial is a critical moment for Le Pen as she positions herself for a potential run in the 2027 presidential election.
Le Pen, maintaining her innocence, stated in court, “I absolutely don’t feel I have committed the slightest irregularity, the slightest illegal move.” The accusations involve the National Rally, previously known as the National Front, and 25 senior officials, raising questions about the party’s use of EU resources, including paying personnel such as her bodyguard and chief of staff.
The trial’s outcome could significantly impact Le Pen’s political future as she continues her defense over the coming days.