Marine Le Pen Stands Trial for Alleged Embezzlement of European Funds
Marine Le Pen, the leader of France's National Rally (RN), expressed her confidence and insisted on her innocence at the opening of her trial on September 30, 2024. Le Pen, along with 24 other defendants, is accused of embezzling funds from the European Parliament to pay party employees. As the trial commenced at 1:45 p.m. in Paris, Le Pen stated, "We have not violated any rules," asserting her belief in the legitimacy of parliamentary freedoms at stake in this case.
The trial, which is set to last two months, involves nine former Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from the National Front, including notable figures such as Louis Aliot and Bruno Gollnisch. In addition, 12 parliamentary assistants and four party collaborators are also being tried. The proceedings are scheduled for three half-days each week until November 27, 2024. Despite her commitment to attending the trial, Le Pen indicated that she might prioritize a general policy statement from new Prime Minister Michel Barnier in the National Assembly on Tuesday.
- The trial is rooted in allegations that a systematic fraud was orchestrated to divert European Parliament funds to the RN, with accusations dating back to a report by former European Parliament President Martin Schulz in 2015. Prosecutors claim that many parliamentary assistants were never engaged in legitimate parliamentary work, instead serving the party's interests, which violates European regulations. The alleged fraud could result in severe penalties, including up to ten years in prison and a significant fine. Le Pen's defense hinges on the argument that the parliamentary assistants were performing legitimate functions and that the case represents a politically motivated attack on the RN. Supporters within the party, including MP Sébastien Chenu, have expressed confidence in Le Pen's presence during the trial, emphasizing that she will present new evidence to counter the prosecution's claims. The European Parliament has estimated its financial losses due to the alleged embezzlement at around three million euros, with plans to claim two million in damages during the trial. The RN has consistently characterized the legal proceedings as an unjust political maneuver against them.
