Marine Le Pen’s trial for misuse of EU funds starts in Paris

Marine Le Pen’s trial for misuse of EU funds started in Paris on September 30, with the far-right leader facing up to ten years in prison, a fine and being made ineligible for the presidential elections if found guilty. 

The European Parliament alleges that Ms Le Pen syphoned away up to €3.5 million between 2009 to 2016 in the form of expenses payments made for parliamentary aides, who allegedly worked for the Rassemblement National (RN) rather than the parliament.

In particular, Thierry Légier, the former bodyguard of Jean-Marie Le Pen and an RN employee, was allegedly paid €7,237 a month by the European Parliament as an aide.

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‘Defending the freedom of parliamentarians’

Ms Le Pen denies any wrongdoing. 

"We are going to prove that it is possible to be an assistant to a European MP and still be involved in the life of the Rassemblement National," party spokesman Laurent Jacobelli told local media.

20 other senior party members, including RN founder and Ms Le Pen’s father Jean-Marie Le Pen, also stand accused, however the number does not include RN leader Jordan Bardella, who did not hold a senior position during the period of alleged wrongdoing.

“We are not afraid of this trial”, maintained Mr Jacobelli. “This trial is a moment of truth to defend the freedom of parliamentarians. We are going into it with our heads held high.”

The trial is the second in as many months for Ms Le Pen, who recently lost an appeal against a ruling that she defamed a humanitarian association in 2022. She was ordered to pay €500 in damages.

However, the trial for misuse of EU funds could prove far more damaging. If found guilty she could face up to 10 years in prison, be liable for €3 million in damages and be declared ineligible for office.

Ms Le Pen is widely considered to be a leading candidate for the 2027 French presidential elections.

The trial will run in Paris until November 27.