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The nine-week trial is a critical juncture for Le Pen, expected
to be a strong contender in France’s next presidential election
in 2027. A guilty verdict could significantly affect her
political career and aspirations.
The National Rally and 25 of its top officials went on trial
last month for having used money intended for EU parliamentary
aides instead to pay staff who worked for the party between 2004
and 2016, in violation of the 27-nation bloc’s regulations. The
National Rally was called the National Front at the time.
Le Pen is scheduled to answer questions from the court for three
successive days, starting on Monday, over the use of EU money to
pay for her bodyguard, her chief of staff and two other party
aides.
When the trial opened last month, she vowed to present “solid
arguments” showing that she and other party officials “did not
violate any political and regulatory rules of the European
Parliament.”
If found guilty, Le Pen and her co-defendants could face up to
10 years in prison and fines of up to 1 million euros ($1.1
million) each. Additional penalties, such as the loss of civil
rights or ineligibility to run for office, could also be
imposed, a scenario that could hamper, or even destroy, Le Pen’s
goal to mount another presidential bid after the end of
President Emmanuel Macron’s term. Le Pen was runner-up to Macron
in the 2017 and 2022 presidential elections.
Two other National Rally officials, including the party’s
historic leader, Le Pen’s father Jean-Marie, have faced similar
accusations but have been exempted from prosecution on health
grounds.
The trial is scheduled to last until Nov. 27.
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