Today, Marine Le Pen and other conservative-leaning Rassemblement National (RN) members face trial in France. They are accused of misusing European Union funds by allegedly paying ‘ghost employees’ for the party using European money. Le Pen and twenty-four others are on trial for allegedly employing staff who were supposed to support the European group of RN but are accused of working for the national RN group instead. According to the European Parliament, this created ‘ghost jobs,’ with an estimated €6.8 million misused between 2009 and 2017.
The Court as a Left-Wing Weapon?
If convicted, Le Pen could face up to ten years in prison, a one-million-euro fine, and disqualification from running in future elections, including the 2027 French presidential election.
The trial, which opened today at 1:45 p.m., with the court ensuring the presence of the defendants, has raised suspicion that this legal move is more of a political ploy than a legitimate concern over European funds. Many believe the case has been weaponized by left-wing politicians desperate to sideline the largest opposition party in France.
Marine Le Pen confidently addressed the court: “We have not broken any rules.” She reiterated that this case revolves around “parliamentary freedom” and declared that she has strong arguments to defend herself. Le Pen and her close allies, including Louis Aliot and party spokesperson Julien Odoul, are standing trial as part of this larger case against RN. […]
— Read More: rairfoundation.com
