2024-11-15 20:11:00
Marine Le Pen described, on Friday 15 November, the indictments of the Prosecutor’s Office against her, at the trial against the parliamentary assistants of the FN, as“Very violent attack on democracy”. “My political death is being called for”said the president of the National Rally (RN) parliamentary group in the National Assembly during an interview with journalist Anne-Claire Coudray on the TF1 news program.
The prosecution, judging Marine Le Pen “center” of a “organized system” aimed to make the European Parliament the “cash cow” of the National Front (FN), issued severe requisitions against him on Wednesday: five years of imprisonment, of which three with suspended sentence, a fine of 300,000 euros and five years of ineligibility with provisional execution – i.e. with immediate application also in the event of an appeal – which could, if the judges follow the prosecutors, prevent him from running in the next presidential elections.
After rehearsing his line of defense – “we are innocent of the facts of which we are accused, we have not violated any French law or any of the regulations of the European Parliament” –Le Pen said: “I realized that it was not the party that was being judged, but the political objective that was being judged (…). But, beyond me, it is the French who are actually prevented (…) vote for the candidate you want. » Before continuing: “I want to tell the French today that the idea that with a decision, once again, irreparable, not subject to appeal, we can deprive them of their choice is a very violent attack on democracy. The simple fact that we can take it into consideration, because I still remind you that the Prosecutor’s Office is not independent. »
“What is required is my political death. So, by definition, my political survival will obviously depend on the implementation of this political death sentence, with provisional execution or not. This is, I think, the goal from the beginning.”he estimated. When asked about the desire to do so “put pressure on justice”while the RN in particular launched an online petition to protest these requests from the prosecutor’s office, Le Pen responded: “Never in my
“Violation of fundamental rules” for the accusation
Twenty-five people, including Le Pen, have been on trial since September 30 at the Paris Criminal Court. They are suspected of having established, between 2004 and 2016, a “diversion system” money paid by the European Union (EU) intended for the hiring of parliamentary collaborators, in order to finance the political activities of the far-right party. Damage estimated by the European Parliament at almost 7 million euros.
During the prosecution’s arraignment, prosecutor Louise Neyton particularly highlighted “the absolutely unprecedented side of this story, due to its scale, which is counted in millions of euros, fifteen times higher than that of the MoDem case; its duration, which extends over twelve years, three legislatures and probably even earlier; and its organized and systemic character. It is a real war machine, led by the party leadership, to finance the FN and its growth, in violation of the fundamental rules. The European Parliament was their cash cow. This profound and lasting attack on the rules of the democratic game requires an exemplary response.”.
According to the accusation, Le Pen would not only be the author of the facts, for having hired four fictitious assistants, but also “accomplice by incitement”as president of the FN at the time. “You are at the center of the decision, you have a central role”insisted prosecutor Nicolas Barret. AND “There was a direct interest from the main managers and a personal enrichment of those close to themcontinued Louise Neyton, maintain a comfortable lifestyle for Marine Le Pen’s friends, 4,000 to 5,000 euros a month for her sister, faithful secretary and ambitious young people” Why “close guard”.
From Monday the briefs of the defense lawyers of Le Pen and the other 24 defendants will be delivered. The trial is scheduled to conclude on November 27: the court will announce the date of its decision and then enter into deliberations. Sentencing is not expected for several months, in early 2025.
How might Marine Le Pen’s ongoing legal troubles impact the National Rally’s electoral prospects in future elections?
Time.news Interview with Expert on Marine Le Pen Legal Challenges
Editor: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. With the ongoing legal troubles surrounding Marine Le Pen and her party, the National Rally, there’s a lot to unpack. We’re fortunate to have Dr. Claire Dupont, a political analyst specializing in European far-right movements. Claire, let’s dive right in. As you may know, Le Pen has described the current indictment as a “very violent attack on democracy.” What do you make of this characterization?
Dr. Dupont: Thank you for having me. Le Pen is often very strategic with her language, and by framing the prosecution as an attack on democracy, she aims to rally her supporters around the notion of political victimization. This tactic can galvanize her base and distract from the serious nature of the allegations against her party, which include significant financial misconduct.
Editor: Speaking of the allegations, prosecutors claim that Le Pen is at the center of an “organized system” designed to funnel EU funds intended for parliamentary assistants into financing her party’s political activities. How serious are the implications of these allegations for her political future?
Dr. Dupont: The implications are dire—not just personally for Le Pen but for the National Rally as a whole. The prosecution is demanding a five-year prison sentence, with a significant fine and a five-year ban from holding office. If the court upholds these requests, it would effectively bar Le Pen from running in future elections, which could significantly diminish her party’s influence at a critical time.
Editor: Le Pen has also asserted that the prosecution’s actions are part of a broader effort to thwart French voters’ choices. How does this narrative resonate with her supporters, especially those who feel disillusioned with the traditional political system?
Dr. Dupont: It’s a potent narrative. Many of Le Pen’s supporters already feel marginalized by the political establishment. By claiming that the judicial actions are an infringement on voters’ rights, she reinforces the idea that she is on the side of the “ordinary French citizen” against a corrupt system. This “us versus them” mentality can solidify her support within a substantial segment of the electorate.
Editor: You mentioned the potential long-term consequences for the National Rally. Given that approximately €7 million is reportedly involved, could we see a broader impact on funding and operations for the party?
Dr. Dupont: Absolutely. If the party is found guilty and subjected to financial penalties, it could cripple its operations moving forward. The FN has historically relied on a mix of state funding and donations, and losing access to EU funds would impose significant constraints. Additionally, the damage to their reputation could deter future supporters or donors, particularly if the legal battles continue to overshadow their political messaging.
Editor: In recent statements, Le Pen has emphasized her innocence and the belief that the prosecution is politically motivated. What sort of legal strategy do you think her team is employing?
Dr. Dupont: Le Pen’s legal team appears to be focusing on discrediting the prosecution’s motives rather than directly disputing the facts presented. By painting the trial as politically charged, they seek to create reasonable doubt about the integrity of the judicial process. This can appeal not only to her core supporters but also to undecided voters who are wary of political machinations.
Editor: Lastly, Dr. Dupont, considering the current climate in France and the EU, how do you see this situation evolving over the next few months as the trial continues?
Dr. Dupont: The next months will be critical. The proceedings are expected to draw public attention, and depending on the outcome, we could see a resurgence in populist sentiments, or conversely, a possible decline in Le Pen’s influence among moderate voters. Additionally, how the other political parties respond to this situation will be telling. There’s a fine line between benefiting from political strife and appearing to capitalize on someone else’s misfortune. it’s a situation ripe with potential political fallout for all sides involved.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Dupont, for your insights. This is likely just the beginning of a complex saga that will be watched closely, both in France and across Europe. We appreciate your expertise on this pressing issue.
Dr. Dupont: Thank you for having me. It’s an important topic and one that will undoubtedly shape the political landscape in the near future.
