The French court is poised to deliver its verdict on Monday in the trial regarding the alleged misappropriation of funds by Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right National Rally party. Le Pen contends that her entire political career is at jeopardy, as the court decides whether she and her party improperly utilized 3 million euros in European Parliament funds from 2004 to 2016 for the payment of French-based party employees. This goes against the rules of the European Union. She vehemently denies any wrongdoing and asserts that the charges are a politically motivated attack.

In response to a potential conviction, prosecutors are seeking a five-year ban from public office for Le Pen, which may impede her eligibility to run in the 2027 presidential election, where she is a leading candidate. An appeal against the verdict could result in a new trial, scheduled for 2026, just before the elections. Le Pen’s party views the trial as judicial overreach, with comparisons drawn to the legal troubles of the former US President Donald Trump. Despite this, Le Pen remains confident that the court will not proceed with such drastic measures.

The outcome of this trial will have significant implications for the National Rally party’s alignment with mainstream politics. Losing the party’s most prominent figure, Le Pen, could result in a less charismatic alternative for the presidency, RN president Jordan Bardella, who is expected to fill the void if Le Pen is found guilty. The trial also raises concerns about the involvement of courts in determining political eligibility, with some expressing their apprehension over such a precedent.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/france-embezzlement-trial-to-decide-le-pen-s-future/a-72091790?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf