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    Le Pen accused of embezzling EU funds in Paris

    European Newsdesk Posted on

    French far-right leader Marine Le Pen strongly denied any wrongdoing during her appearance in a Paris court on Monday, where she and her National Rally party face trial over allegations of embezzling European Parliament funds reported AP. Le Pen, a key figure in French politics and a potential frontrunner in the 2027 presidential election, could see her political ambitions severely impacted by a guilty verdict.

    Le Pen is being questioned until Wednesday about the alleged misuse of EU funds to pay for her bodyguard, her chief of staff, and two other party aides. The accusations date back to when the National Rally, formerly known as the National Front, allegedly used EU funds meant for parliamentary aides to pay party staff between 2004 and 2016, in violation of EU regulations.

    In court, Le Pen appeared confident and defiant, stating, “I’m telling you very clearly: I absolutely don’t feel I have committed the slightest irregularity, the slightest illegal move.” She argued that the activities of the aides, paid by the European Parliament, were tied to the broader political missions of the party’s Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), a perspective she believes the EU failed to understand. “I believe it’s a mistake from the European Parliament not to perceive it this way,” she said.

    This marks the first time Le Pen has been directly questioned about the alleged misuse of funds. Throughout the trial, she has closely followed the proceedings, speaking up frequently, even when it wasn’t her turn, and expressing her intention to be as engaged as possible in the defense.

    If convicted, Le Pen and her co-defendants could face up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to €1 million ($1.1 million) each. Additional penalties could include losing civil rights or being barred from holding office, a scenario that could severely hinder her 2027 presidential bid. Le Pen previously finished as runner-up to President Emmanuel Macron in the 2017 and 2022 elections.

    Two other National Rally officials, including Le Pen’s father and the party’s founder, Jean-Marie Le Pen, have faced similar charges but were exempted from prosecution due to health issues. The trial, which began last month, is scheduled to run until November 27.

    The timing of the trial is especially challenging for Le Pen, as it coincides with important budget debates in the National Assembly. Some political observers believe the trial could distract National Rally lawmakers, including Le Pen, from fully participating in their opposition role in Parliament.

    Le Pen also emphasized her view that the role of MEPs extends beyond drafting and voting on EU regulations, highlighting other responsibilities such as meeting with voters, shaping party strategy, and engaging with the media. “The aide works for his MEP and can work for his MEP for the benefit of the party,” she insisted. She further compared the situation to France’s National Assembly, where, she argued, political activity is considered an integral part of a lawmaker’s mandate.

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