France's controversial politician, Marine Le Pen, has been found guilty of misusing European funds to support her far-right National Rally (RN) party. This ruling could have significant implications for her political future, potentially barring her from running in the 2027 presidential elections. While the judge has yet to announce the sentence, prosecutors suggested that Le Pen faces a fine of €300,000 (approximately £250,000) and a prison term, along with an immediate five-year ban from public office. However, there remains a chance that judges could opt for a shortened ineligibility period or delay any disqualifications during her expected appeal. Le Pen, along with over 20 other senior figures from her party, was accused of employing assistants to work on RN affairs instead of for the European Parliament, which had funded these positions. Throughout the trial, Le Pen maintained her innocence, claiming there were no irregularities in her actions. The reading of the verdict was anticipated to take two hours, indicating the gravity of the situation. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
Marine Le Pen Found Guilty in EU Funding Scandal
Marine Le Pen Found Guilty in EU Funding Scandal
The far-right politician faces potential disqualification from future elections after court ruling.
Marine Le Pen has been convicted of misappropriating EU funds intended for her party, the National Rally, raising concerns about her eligibility for the upcoming 2027 presidential election.
France's controversial politician, Marine Le Pen, has been found guilty of misusing European funds to support her far-right National Rally (RN) party. This ruling could have significant implications for her political future, potentially barring her from running in the 2027 presidential elections. While the judge has yet to announce the sentence, prosecutors suggested that Le Pen faces a fine of €300,000 (approximately £250,000) and a prison term, along with an immediate five-year ban from public office. However, there remains a chance that judges could opt for a shortened ineligibility period or delay any disqualifications during her expected appeal. Le Pen, along with over 20 other senior figures from her party, was accused of employing assistants to work on RN affairs instead of for the European Parliament, which had funded these positions. Throughout the trial, Le Pen maintained her innocence, claiming there were no irregularities in her actions. The reading of the verdict was anticipated to take two hours, indicating the gravity of the situation. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
