Brussels – Five years in prison, two years of imprisonment, and five years of ineligibility. For Marine Le Pen and the Rassemblement National (RN) there is a concrete risk of a historic blow on the horizon: after a month and a half of hearings on the case of fake contracts for party assistants paid with public funds from the European Parliament, the Paris Prosecutor’s Office expressed its opinion yesterday evening (November 13). If the sentence - which is expected at the beginning of 2025 - confirms the requests of the prosecutor, Le Pen would be forced to say goodbye to the 2027 race for the Elysée.
According to prosecutors, between 2004 and 2016 the National Front would have a plan at the time. ”organized system” of misappropriation of public funds to the detriment of the European Parliament. In order to “save” the party’s money, it is alleged that the French far-right hired dozens of “fake” European parliamentary assistants, who worked for the Rassemblement National in France.
The charges – and the requests of the prosecutors – do not only concern Le Pen, but 24 members of the party, including several important leaders: Louis Aliotmayor of Perpignan, ex-treasurer of Wallerand de Saint-Just, and niece of Le Pen, Marion Maréchalwho left the party in 2022. The prosecutors asked to impose a fine of 4.3 million euros on the Rassemblement National and 300 thousand euros for Le Pen. For other party leaders, former MPs and former parliamentary assistants, the ineligibility requests were “modified” based on each person’s responsibilities.
In addition, the prosecution requested that the first-degree sentence have “temporary execution”, that is, that it be implemented immediately from the moment of conviction, even in the unlikely event of an appeal by Le Pen and Renfort of the parties. This is it he would deny the possibility of running for a fourth time in the French presidential elections expected in 2027.
Matteo Salvini and Marine Le Pen (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP)
As she left the courtroom, the French far-right leader condemned the “violence” and “outrage” of the prosecutors, accusing them of “trying to deprive the French of the possibility to vote for whoever wants with them” and that they want to “ruin the party”. Immediate solidarity, and an attack on justice, by Le Pen, ie Jordan Bardellawho said to a post on X: “The Prosecutor’s Office does not deal with justice, but with fury and revenge against Marine Le Pen. Her treacherous indictments are aimed at depriving millions of French people of their vote in 2027. It is an attack on democracy.”
Even Italy’s deputy prime minister and secretary of the Treaty, Matteo Salviniha relaunch the accusations to the transalpine judges, as he does daily in Italy in view of the sentence related to him in the Open Arms case: “Even in France, they are using all possible means to eliminate will of the people and with the democratic wind of change”, he wrote on X the leader of the Northern League. On behalf of the delegation of the League to the European Parliament, part of Viktor Orban’s dominant team, “lThe growth of the Tragers for Europe scares the establishment, which does everything to stop the change”.
How could the outcome of Le Pen’s trial impact public perception of far-right parties in Europe?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Political Expert on the Le Pen Legal Case
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with renowned political expert Dr. Clara Martin, who specializes in European politics. Dr. Martin, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Martin: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to discuss this pivotal moment in French politics.
Editor: Let’s dive right into it. Marine Le Pen and her party, Rassemblement National (RN), are facing severe legal repercussions due to allegations of misappropriating public funds. How significant is this development for Le Pen’s political future?
Dr. Martin: This situation is monumental. If the Paris Prosecutor’s Office’s requests are upheld—which could see Le Pen facing five years in prison and a five-year prohibition from holding public office—it would indeed mark a historic blow to her career. It would largely preclude her from contesting the 2027 presidential election, which she has been heavily campaigning for.
Editor: The accusations involve a systematic approach to hiring ”fake” parliamentary assistants. Can you elaborate on the implications this might have on public trust in political institutions, particularly in France?
Dr. Martin: Absolutely. This case not only shines a light on possible corruption within the Rassemblement National but raises broader concerns regarding the integrity of political funding and accountability in the EU. If proven, it could diminish public confidence in the political process and fuel sentiments against established political parties, not just Le Pen’s. The French electorate has shown that they are disillusioned with the status quo, and any scandal can drive that disenchantment further.
Editor: We’re also hearing about other party members facing similar allegations. What does this mean for the party’s internal dynamics and leadership structure?
Dr. Martin: The charges against Marine Le Pen are just the tip of the iceberg; 24 members are implicated. This could lead to significant fractures within the RN, especially with leaders like Louis Aliot and Marion Maréchal being embroiled in the scandal. It may spark a power struggle, as those remaining in the party may attempt to distance themselves from the allegations or even challenge Le Pen’s leadership, jeopardizing her influence.
Editor: The prosecution has also requested a hefty fine and immediate execution of the first-degree sentence. Could this further complicate her potential appeal?
Dr. Martin: Certainly, the call for immediate execution heightens the stakes. If the court enforces the sentence even while an appeal is pending, it would effectively incapacitate her political ambitions right away. Le Pen has been a formidable figure in French politics, and these developments threaten her longstanding narrative of being an anti-establishment champion.
Editor: Given the political climate in Europe right now, do you foresee any lasting effects on the far-right movement if Le Pen is criminally convicted?
Dr. Martin: A conviction could potentially have a chilling effect on the far-right across Europe. While movements like Le Pen’s have gained traction, particularly in response to economic and immigration crises, a significant legal setback could deter potential voters questioning the integrity of such parties. However, it could also create a martyr effect; she might be seen as a victim of the system, which could energize her base.
Editor: Interesting perspective, Dr. Martin. As we look ahead to the 2027 elections, if Le Pen is deemed ineligible, who do you think might rise as a potential figure to fill that void?
Dr. Martin: While it’s hard to predict with certainty, figures like Jordan Bardella, who is currently leading the party, could emerge as significant candidates. It would also depend on how the party positions itself in terms of ideology and strategy. A cohesive leadership that can articulate a clear and appealing platform will be essential to maintaining their following in Le Pen’s absence.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Martin, for your insights. The situation is undeniably fluid and could reshape French politics for years to come. We appreciate your expertise on this matter.
Dr. Martin: Thank you for the opportunity! It will be interesting to see how this all unfolds.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay with us for more updates on this and other pressing global issues.