Paris, September 30, 2024 — The Europe Today: Right-wing French politician Marine Le Pen appeared in a Paris court on Monday to face trial over allegations that senior members of the party she once led, the National Rally, embezzled €3 million ($3.3 million) in European Union (EU) funds.
French authorities have stated that the alleged scheme took place between 2004 and 2016, during which lawmakers from the party, known as the National Front at the time, are accused of falsely employing 20 assistants in the European Parliament. These assistants reportedly held dual positions within the party while failing to perform any EU-related duties, spending the majority of their time in France, all the while receiving EU payments. Such practices are deemed illegal under EU parliamentary rules.
Le Pen, who served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from 2004 to 2017, is specifically accused of listing her bodyguard and chief of staff as her assistants.
Also standing trial alongside her is her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, the former president of the National Front, as well as a former party treasurer, three former vice-presidents, a former secretary general, and a spokesperson.
This trial marks a significant moment in French politics, as it brings to light ongoing scrutiny regarding the financial conduct of political parties and their adherence to EU regulations.
