PublishedNovember 13, 2024, 10:39 am
FranceRN trial: time for a plea for Marine Le Pen and her co-defendants
The former president of the RN is at risk of up to 10 years in prison and an ineligible sentence.
After a month and a half of trial, it is plea time for Marine Le Pen.
After a month and a half of trial, it is time to make demands for Marine Le Pen, the National Rally and 24 other defendants, who are accused of embezzling funds from the European Parliament for the benefit of the far right party.
The two-vote solicitations should begin around 9:30 am on Wednesday, and last all day. After a general consideration, the two representatives of the prosecution, Louise Neyton and Nicolas Barret, should begin to develop their analysis of the “system” implemented, according to them, by the National Front (now the National Rally ) between 2004 and 2016.
According to the accusation, a ”centralized management system” was set up to “empty” the envelopes of 21,000 euros per month to which the MPs were entitled to pay “false” parliamentary assistants who actually worked for the party (as guards physical, graphic). designer or secretary), in order to “ease finances”.
Prosecutors should then focus on the case of each defendant: nine former Front MEPs, their 12 former parliamentary assistants, the accountants and the treasurer, and finally the party itself. In total, there are 26 defendants, tried before the criminal court for embezzlement of public funds, complicity or concealment of the crime.
in the late afternoon or early evening, prosecutors are expected to announce the sentences requested against each person.
They face sentences of up to 10 years in prison, a million euro fine and a penalty of ineligibility – which could severely hamper Marine Le Pen’s 2027 presidential election ambitions.
If such a sentence were imposed, she would have “very serious consequences”, she argued at the bar. “That would make me not a presidential candidate, that’s it.”
“Behind me are 11 million people who voted for the movement I am representing. So maybe tomorrow, millions and millions of French people would be deprived of their presidential candidate,” she argued.
Since the opening of this trial on September 30, where she attended almost all the hearings, the presidential candidate has been questioned three times under several hats: the hats of a former European leader, for the controversial contracts concluded with explain some of his parliamentary assistants. , the former leader of the party (between 2011 and 2016), and finally as a representative of the National Rally, which was considered a legal person – she had the power of the current President Jordan Bardella from here.
Each time, she proclaimed her “innocence”, that of her partner and co-defendants. “No” system, but a lot of “lies,” “fictions” and “misunderstandings,” she swore at the bar, adding that she had a “feeling” that the court’s opinion was ”already made.”
During the trial, she faced awkward questions, sometimes rewriting the case. And he gave up during long monologues on the “reality” of the life of a political party, eager to explain it again and again… Even if it meant expelling the court who told her dryly and at length with her that she was tired – bol, during his final question on Wednesday: “Here, we are not in politics, we are in front of a criminal court,” President Bénédicte de Perthus told him.
“It seemed to me that most of the defendants were quite prisoners with a common defense system”, following in step “the line laid down by the leader, Marine Le Pen, he considered.
The European Parliament estimated the financial damage it caused at 4.5 million euros, but only claimed 3.4 million (part of which has already been repaid).
After closing arguments, the trial will resume next Monday, with defense arguments scheduled for two weeks.
Time.news Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Claire Dubois on the Marine Le Pen Trial
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, Dr. Dubois. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the ongoing trial of Marine Le Pen and her co-defendants from the National Rally. This case has garnered significant attention—could you give us a brief overview of the charges they face?
Dr. Dubois: Thank you for having me. Certainly! Marine Le Pen, along with 24 other defendants, stands accused of embezzling funds from the European Parliament between 2004 and 2016. The prosecution alleges they established a system to misuse €21,000 monthly payments meant for parliamentary assistants by employing fictitious staff to provide services to the party instead. This trial could have considerable implications for Le Pen’s political future.
Editor: That’s quite serious. The prosecution is expected to demand sentences of up to 10 years in prison and significant fines. How do you think this could impact Le Pen’s ambitions for the next presidential election in 2027?
Dr. Dubois: If she were to receive such a sentence, it would effectively bar her from political office, which she herself acknowledged in court. Her argument points to the 11 million voters who supported her movement; if she’s convicted, it could lead to widespread disenfranchisement of that voter base. In France, where political loyalty is deeply tied to personal character, a conviction could not only derail her career but also shift the strategies of her party, which has been working to rebrand itself from its extremist past.
Editor: It’s fascinating to consider the broader electoral ramifications. The case is also notable for the sheer number of defendants involved. Why is this trial important not just for Le Pen individually, but for the National Rally as a political entity?
Dr. Dubois: This trial is a litmus test for the National Rally’s legitimacy and integrity. The scale of the alleged embezzlement signals systemic issues within the party’s operations during a crucial period. If multiple defendants are convicted, it risks further painting the entire party with a broad brush of corruption, which could hinder their ability to gain broader public support as they position themselves for future elections. Moreover, it’s a chance for the party to demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Editor: There’s a lot on the line. What do you think the public response has been regarding Le Pen’s defense? She has been vocal about representing the people who voted for her—how does that play into her narrative?
Dr. Dubois: Le Pen’s defense strategy hinges on portraying herself as a victim of political persecution. By invoking the millions who support her, she’s attempting to rally public sentiment in her favor, framing the trial as an attack on their democratic choice. This emotional appeal resonates with many of her supporters, who already distrust traditional elites and institutions. The effectiveness of this narrative will be tested as the case unfolds and as penalties come into focus.
Editor: With more developments expected as the prosecutors lay out their case, how do you see this trial unfolding in the coming days?
Dr. Dubois: The next few days will be crucial, particularly as prosecutors present their arguments and request sentences. The attention will also shift to the defense and how they counter these claims. I expect a passionate defense from Le Pen, who will likely frame the prosecution as politically motivated. The media coverage, public opinion, and political reactions will also play a significant role in shaping the outcome.
Editor: It’s certainly a situation that will require careful monitoring. Before we wrap up, Dr. Dubois, do you think this trial could have lasting implications for populism in France?
Dr. Dubois: Absolutely. The outcome could either bolster the narrative around populist movements or significantly undermine them if the public perceives their leaders as corrupt. How the National Rally navigates the fallout will be pivotal, as it may influence the future landscape of French politics and populist sentiments across Europe as well.
Editor: Thank you for your insight, Dr. Dubois. This case promises to be a critical chapter in French political history, and we look forward to discussing it further as more developments arise.
Dr. Dubois: Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing how the trial progresses.