In a high-stakes legal battle, far-right leader Marine Le Pen stands accused of misappropriating EU parliamentary funds amid a broader investigation involving over 20 senior party figures.
Marine Le Pen Faces Possible Prison and Political Ban in Funding Case
Marine Le Pen Faces Possible Prison and Political Ban in Funding Case
The Paris prosecutor has requested a five-year prison sentence and a five-year political office ban for Marine Le Pen, amid illegal funding allegations against her party.
The Paris prosecutor, Nicolas Barret, recently called for a five-year prison sentence and an immediate five-year ban from any political office for Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right National Rally (RN), over allegations of illegal party funding. The case hinges on claims that Le Pen and over 20 other senior party members improperly hired assistants ostensibly funded by the European Parliament but engaged in party activities instead.
Le Pen, who maintains her innocence, condemned the prosecutor's demands as an "outrage," characterizing them as an attempt to undermine her party and deprive the French populace of their voting rights. Following her court appearance, she reaffirmed her rejection of the charges, labeling the prosecution's intentions as a means to "ruin" the National Rally, which she claims is the most significant party in the current assembly despite a presidential election loss to Emmanuel Macron in 2022.
In addition to the proposed prison sentence and political ban, a hefty fine of €300,000 is also sought against Le Pen. While the prison term is described as "convertible," meaning she may avoid actual incarceration, the political ban would take immediate effect post-verdict, irrespective of any appeals—a decision that has raised concerns among her defenders.
Barret further indicated that the ban should extend to all 25 defendants involved in this case, asserting that "the law applies to all." The prosecution has outlined a narrative where Le Pen oversaw a system that siphoned EU funds, with RN staff masquerading as parliamentary assistants in Brussels while not fulfilling the expected roles.
In opposition, RN chairman Jordan Bardella expressed that the prosecution's actions represent an attack on democratic principles and accused them of "persecuting" Le Pen. Concurrently, a European Parliament lawyer noted the expected nature of the prosecution's demands, viewing them as consistent with previous legal actions.
The legal proceedings are set to unfold over the coming weeks, with the trial scheduled to continue until November 27.
