In a significant legal blow, French politician Marine Le Pen has been convicted for misusing European Union funds, jeopardizing her participation in the 2027 presidential race.
Marine Le Pen Convicted in European Funds Misappropriation Trial
Marine Le Pen Convicted in European Funds Misappropriation Trial
Latest verdict raises doubts over her future electoral ambitions in France.
Le Pen, the leader of the far-right National Rally (RN), was found guilty of misappropriating EU funds intended for parliamentary assistance to finance her party’s activities. The legal ruling could have consequences for her political future if the court imposes a sentence of automatic ineligibility, barring her from running for public office. Prosecutors are advocating for a penalty that includes a hefty fine, a possible prison term, and a five-year disqualification from elections, which could take effect immediately—should the court reject any appeals Le Pen may file.
This case also involves over twenty other senior figures from her party, as they were accused of engaging assistants to work on RN affairs rather than fulfilling their duties for the European Parliament. Throughout the proceedings, Le Pen has consistently maintained her innocence, claiming that her actions did not constitute any wrongdoing. The reading of the verdict, which began at 10:00, is expected to last as long as two hours, and further developments are imminent as this story evolves.
This case also involves over twenty other senior figures from her party, as they were accused of engaging assistants to work on RN affairs rather than fulfilling their duties for the European Parliament. Throughout the proceedings, Le Pen has consistently maintained her innocence, claiming that her actions did not constitute any wrongdoing. The reading of the verdict, which began at 10:00, is expected to last as long as two hours, and further developments are imminent as this story evolves.
