French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has denied any wrongdoing as she stands trial alongside her National Rally (RN) party and several others on charges of embezzling funds from the European Parliament.
Upon arriving at the Paris court on Monday, Le Pen stated, “We did not violate any of the European Parliament’s political or organizational rules.” She promised to present “serious and compelling arguments” during the trial.
This case, which could severely impact Le Pen’s political ambitions, is being closely followed by her opponents, as she remains a strong contender to succeed President Emmanuel Macron in the 2027 French presidential elections.
Prosecutors allege that Le Pen and the other key defendants misused European Union funds between 2004 and 2016. They are seeking a criminal trial in Paris for charges related to “misuse of public funds.”
The investigation also targets figures such as Louis Aliot, the mayor of Perpignan, and Nicolas Bay, a former National Rally member and current European Parliament deputy, both accused of being involved in the scheme.
Le Pen, who served as a member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2017 and led the National Rally party from 2011 to 2021, is accused of creating a “centralized system” that allegedly siphoned off a total of €6.8 million in European Parliament funds.
If convicted, she could face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of €1 million, and be barred from holding public office for 5 to 10 years—effectively ending her potential bid for the French presidency in 2027.
This trial is part of a broader inquiry into allegations of misused EU funds by members of the National Rally party.
Le Pen has consistently denied any involvement in illegal activities, asserting that her party’s financial dealings were in compliance with parliamentary regulations.
However, the outcome of this case could have a significant impact on Le Pen’s political future and the trajectory of the far-right movement in France.
