The trial of Marine Le Pen, the prominent leader of France’s far-right National Rally (RN) party, is now underway. She’s facing accusations of misusing European Union funds but maintains that she will demonstrate her innocence throughout the proceedings.
Le Pen, along with the RN and twenty-four others—ranging from party officials to former politicians and parliamentary aides—stands accused of diverting funds intended for European Parliament operations to pay personnel engaged in party work. At that time, the party was known as the National Front.
The defendants argue that their financial dealings were entirely above board. They assert that the current allegations stem from a limited interpretation of what constitutes the duties of a parliamentary assistant. “This situation exemplifies a misalignment in perspectives on assistant roles between a French party and the European Parliament,” remarked Laurent Jacobelli, an RN spokesperson, in a recent statement to Reuters.
“I approach this trial with a sense of serenity,” Le Pen told journalists as she entered the criminal court in Paris, exuding a composed demeanor despite the serious nature of the accusations.
Interestingly, this trial could serve as a pivotal moment not just for Le Pen herself but also for her party, as it unfolds nearly ten years after the initial investigations launched. If exonerated, Le Pen may find her public image—along with that of the RN—significantly polished in anticipation of the 2027 presidential election.
Some analysts speculate a resemblance to the rise of former President Donald Trump during his various legal entanglements. Eurointelligence researchers noted, “We have witnessed how Trump rallied supporters during his court cases. Such trials can unexpectedly unite national interests against European authority, potentially expanding Le Pen’s dedicated supporter base.”
Despite suffering defeats to Emmanuel Macron in both the 2017 and 2022 presidential elections, Le Pen remains a strong contender for the next presidential race in 2027.
Focusing on the financial details, the European Parliament claims the alleged misappropriation led to losses totaling an estimated €3.5 million, according to remarks from their attorney, Patrick Maisonneuve. EU politicians receive allocated funds for various expenditures, including staffs’ salaries, yet using these funds to finance party-related activities is strictly prohibited.
The RN, with its ‘France first’ ethos, champions positions on a spectrum of significant matters like immigration, energy distribution, and agricultural policies, has categorically denied the charges. They argue that the interpretation of assistant roles differs between the RN’s understanding and that of the European Parliament.
Marine Le Pen is persona non grata in this case, as she is being prosecuted for her dual role—as the head of the party and as an EU politician—having allegedly hired false assistants during her tenure. If she is found guilty, there could be severe ramifications, including a prison sentence of up to ten years and a hefty fine approaching €1 million. Those like her, who held elected positions during the supposed infractions, might even face disqualification from holding public office for as long as a decade. Non-elected individuals could be barred for five years.
Among the accused is Jean-Marie Le Pen, her father, who at 96 years of age has also been implicated. However, the judge has determined that he, along with another accused individual, is unfit to participate in the trial due to health concerns, and their cases will be addressed at a later date.
This trial is anticipated to extend until November 27, keeping the public and political analysts riveted on the outcomes and implications for Le Pen and the future of her party.
Edited by: Ali Musa
Axadle international–Monitoring
