Le Pen denies EU funds misuse as 2027 presidential bid stays at risk

The leader of France’s far-right National Rally, Marine Le Pen, 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 are under intense scrutiny. The trial could result in up to 10 years of imprisonment and up to €1 million in fines, but the real threat to Le Pen is the potential ineligibility to run for office in 2027. 

The prosecution, led by Louise Neyton, has argued that the alleged misuse of funds was systematic and caused severe damage to democratic integrity.

Le Pen, who remains defiant, has dismissed the accusations as politically motivated. During court proceedings, she has actively challenged the allegations, maintaining that the work of parliamentary aides included legitimate political activities.

“We’re not there yet,” she told reporters, referring to potential disqualification from running for office. 

Le Pen, who finished second in both the 2017 and 2022 presidential elections against Emmanual Macron, has seen her party’s popularity surge in recent years. 

Despite the trial, she remains committed to her political goals, even drawing parallels to Donald Trump, who continued to pursue the US presidency despite legal challenges. 

The accusations date back to an alert raised in 2015 by then-European Parliament President Martin Schulz. Prosecutors claim that National Rally aides were effectively working for the party rather than for MEPs as required by EU regulations. 

Le Pen, however, insists that the roles of the aides were legitimate, supporting MEPs’ various activities, including those with political dimensions linked to the party’s objectives. 

“When one is convinced that tomato means cocaine, the whole grocery list becomes suspicious,” she quipped.

As the trial is supposed to end on 27 November, the court must decide whether the aides truly served their MEPs or were primarily working for the National Rally. 

According to the European Parliament’s lawyer, Patrick Maisonneuve, the alleged fraud amounts to approximately €4.5 million. He suggested that several defendants seemingly coordinated their testimonies to protect Le Pen and the party.

Amid these legal battles, Le Pen remains focused on her long-term political ambitions.

Outside the courtroom last week, she wished Donald Trump — who is also embroiled in fraud trials — “every success” on X, signalling she plans to remain undeterred by legal obstacles.