A Paris court has found far-Right leader Marine Le Pen and eight Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) — from her National Rally party — guilty of embezzling EU public funds, a verdict that could jeopardise her political future and hopes of leading the country.
Le Pen and her associates were accused of misusing European Parliament funds meant for parliamentary aides to pay party staff between 2004 and 2016. The ruling raises concerns about her eligibility to run for the 2027 presidential election.
The court has the power to declare Le Pen ineligible for office immediately, even if she appeals. She previously warned that such a decision would amount to “political death.”
Le Pen, who was runner-up to Emmanuel Macron in 2017 and 2022, has seen her party’s support grow. If she is barred from running, Jordan Bardella, her 29-year-old protégé, is seen as her most likely successor.
What was the case?
Marine Le Pen and several members of her National Rally party were accused of misusing European Parliament funds between 2004 and 2016. The case revolved around allegations that money meant for parliamentary aides was instead used to pay party staff, a violation of EU regulations.
Prosecutors argued that this amounted to fraudulent use of public funds, with a total sum estimated at several million euros. Le Pen and her co-defendants denied any wrongdoing, claiming the case was politically motivated. The trial, which concluded in late 2024, saw prosecutors demand not only prison sentences but also an immediate ban from public office, which could directly impact Le Pen’s bid for the 2027 presidential election.
What it means for Le Pen’s political future
The verdict could have severe consequences for Le Pen’s ambitions. If the court enforces an immediate ban, she may be barred from running for president in 2027, a race in which she is seen as a leading contender. Such a ruling would not only eliminate her from the race but could also fracture the far-right movement in France.
Le Pen has called the case an attempt to orchestrate her “political death” and warned that millions of French voters would be deprived of their candidate. Her supporters argue that the case is an “attack on democracy,” while critics maintain that it underscores ongoing issues within the National Rally.
If she is disqualified, her protégé Jordan Bardella, 29, is expected to step in as the party’s presidential hopeful. While Bardella has remained loyal to Le Pen, some speculate that he may seek to define his own leadership. He has previously distanced himself from party scandals and recently emphasized the importance of a clean political record, a move some see as a potential break from Le Pen’s legacy.
