Court hearings are set to begin in France that could put an end to the political career of Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally party. The court’s decision will determine whether she will be able to run in the 2027 presidential election.
Le Pen is accused of illegally using European Parliament funds. According to investigators, from 2004 to 2016, the politician and her associates hired assistants to MEPs who actually worked for the party in France rather than performing their duties in European institutions.
The prosecution is seeking a five-year ban on holding elected office, a large fine, and a suspended sentence. If the court grants this request, Le Pen will not be able to run for president of France in 2027, an election in which she is considered one of the main contenders.
Le Pen herself categorically denies the charges, calling the case politically motivated persecution. She claims that her aides were indeed performing political work related to the activities of MEPs.
The court’s decision is expected in the coming months. Regardless of the verdict, it will have a significant impact on the political landscape in France and could change the balance of power ahead of the next presidential election.