A French court has found Marine Le Pen, the leader of the right-wing party Rassemblement National (RN), guilty of embezzling public funds. The charges, brought last year, alleged financial fraud and the embezzlement of EU funds over a period of years. Eight other party members, including eight European parliamentarians, were also found guilty.
The judge’s decision comes as a significant blow to Le Pen, who had been a prominent figure in French politics and a three-time presidential candidate. The maximum sentence for the crime is five years in prison and a five-year ban on holding public office, which could potentially prevent her from running in the 2027 presidential election.
Le Pen and the other defendants were accused of embezzling approximately 4.6 million euros in EU funds between 2004 and 2017, allegedly to finance and enrich the party and its members. The court has estimated the total damage at 2.9 million euros, with the RN allegedly paying individuals who worked for the party using EU funds.
The verdict has significant implications for Le Pen’s political future, with the possibility of a five-year ban on holding public office and a potential loss of her right to run in the 2027 presidential election. Le Pen has already stated that she will appeal the decision if found guilty.