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Wednesday, Apr 02, 2025
Outside the box.
Marine Le Pen Awaits Court Verdict in Embezzlement Case
The far-right leader faces charges that could reshape France's political landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The future of Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally (RN) party, hangs in the balance as a French court prepares to deliver a verdict concerning embezzlement charges on Monday.
Le Pen, a three-time presidential candidate, along with party officials, is accused of misappropriating funds allocated by the European Parliament.
If convicted, Le Pen could be subject to a €300,000 (£250,000) fine and a prison sentence, in addition to being barred from holding political office for up to five years.
The public prosecutors have pressed for stringent penalties in their case against her.
In a related development, France's constitutional council recently ruled that politicians can be removed from office immediately upon conviction of a crime.
This ruling poses a significant challenge for Le Pen, who has described the prosecutors’ actions as an attempt to achieve her "political death." She has voiced concerns that disqualifying her from office would contradict the electorate's wishes and undermine democratic principles.
A recent poll conducted by Le Figaro indicated that 42% of the French population supports Le Pen’s candidacy in the upcoming 2027 presidential election.
In 2021, Le Pen appointed Jordan Bardella as the RN president; however, senior party members have indicated that there is “no plan B” in the event of her ineligibility to run in 2027, marking a sense of urgency and concern within the party.
Marc de Fleurian, a RN MP, expressed that the question of ineligibility does not arise, suggesting that the party remains steadfast against what they view as an injustice.
Le Pen, alongside 24 other individuals linked to the RN, faced charges stemming from an alleged scheme wherein funds intended for EU staff were instead utilized for party workers in France.
The total amount in question is estimated to be around €7 million.
All defendants, including Le Pen, have denied any wrongdoing.
Should Le Pen be found guilty, it is anticipated that she would appeal the decision.
An appeal would require a new trial, and any sentencing would be delayed until the appeal process is finalized.
If the judges impose an immediate five-year ban on her eligibility to run for office, her participation in the presidential race could be jeopardized unless the appeal is expedited and she is exonerated promptly.
Conversely, if the ban is deferred, the uncertainty regarding her political future would persist, as described by an RN member who characterized it as a “Damoclean sword.”
In response to inquiries about her political future, Le Pen remarked, “I’m not thinking about it.
Fear doesn’t remove the danger so I don’t see any interest in guessing in advance.
I consider myself completely innocent of what I have been accused, so if my guilt is declared then I will use the law to again defend my innocence.”
Le Pen, a three-time presidential candidate, along with party officials, is accused of misappropriating funds allocated by the European Parliament.
If convicted, Le Pen could be subject to a €300,000 (£250,000) fine and a prison sentence, in addition to being barred from holding political office for up to five years.
The public prosecutors have pressed for stringent penalties in their case against her.
In a related development, France's constitutional council recently ruled that politicians can be removed from office immediately upon conviction of a crime.
This ruling poses a significant challenge for Le Pen, who has described the prosecutors’ actions as an attempt to achieve her "political death." She has voiced concerns that disqualifying her from office would contradict the electorate's wishes and undermine democratic principles.
A recent poll conducted by Le Figaro indicated that 42% of the French population supports Le Pen’s candidacy in the upcoming 2027 presidential election.
In 2021, Le Pen appointed Jordan Bardella as the RN president; however, senior party members have indicated that there is “no plan B” in the event of her ineligibility to run in 2027, marking a sense of urgency and concern within the party.
Marc de Fleurian, a RN MP, expressed that the question of ineligibility does not arise, suggesting that the party remains steadfast against what they view as an injustice.
Le Pen, alongside 24 other individuals linked to the RN, faced charges stemming from an alleged scheme wherein funds intended for EU staff were instead utilized for party workers in France.
The total amount in question is estimated to be around €7 million.
All defendants, including Le Pen, have denied any wrongdoing.
Should Le Pen be found guilty, it is anticipated that she would appeal the decision.
An appeal would require a new trial, and any sentencing would be delayed until the appeal process is finalized.
If the judges impose an immediate five-year ban on her eligibility to run for office, her participation in the presidential race could be jeopardized unless the appeal is expedited and she is exonerated promptly.
Conversely, if the ban is deferred, the uncertainty regarding her political future would persist, as described by an RN member who characterized it as a “Damoclean sword.”
In response to inquiries about her political future, Le Pen remarked, “I’m not thinking about it.
Fear doesn’t remove the danger so I don’t see any interest in guessing in advance.
I consider myself completely innocent of what I have been accused, so if my guilt is declared then I will use the law to again defend my innocence.”
