French Far-Right Leader Marine Le Pen Found Guilty of Embezzling European Union Funds
A Paris court has convicted Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s far-right National Rally party, of embezzling European Union funds. The court determined that Le Pen and eight other current or former Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) misused funds intended for parliamentary aides to finance party operations between 2004 and 2016. citeturn0news12
The misappropriated funds amount to approximately €4 million, with Le Pen personally embezzling around €474,000. citeturn0news11 The court’s ruling underscores a systematic effort to divert EU resources to address the party’s financial challenges during that period.
Le Pen, who had anticipated the guilty verdict, maintains her innocence and asserts that the trial is politically motivated, aiming to derail her political career. She plans to appeal the conviction, which will initiate a new trial process. citeturn0news10
The court has yet to announce the sentences for Le Pen and her co-defendants. Prosecutors have recommended a two-year prison sentence, a €300,000 fine, and a five-year ban from holding public office for Le Pen. citeturn0news13 If imposed, such a ban could significantly impact her potential candidacy in the 2027 presidential election, where she is currently considered a frontrunner. citeturn0search3
This conviction marks a pivotal moment in French politics, potentially reshaping the landscape ahead of future elections. The outcome of Le Pen’s appeal and the court’s final sentencing will be closely monitored both domestically and internationally.
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