French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has vehemently denied any wrongdoing in a Paris court as she and her National Rally (RN) party stand trial for the alleged embezzlement of European Parliament funds, Al Jazeera reports.
The nine-week trial, which began on Monday, is a crucial moment for Le Pen, a potential contender for the French presidency in 2027.
Le Pen, 56, took the stand on Monday, marking the beginning of her three days of testimony. She, the RN party, and 24 others, including party officials, employees, and former lawmakers, are accused of misusing European Parliament funds to pay staff in France.
Le Pen and her co-defendants maintain their innocence, arguing that the money was used legitimately. In court, Le Pen asserted that she believed a European Parliament member’s role extends beyond legislation in Brussels, encompassing advocating for their party’s political agenda in France.
“I’m telling you very clearly: I absolutely don’t feel I have committed the slightest irregularity, the slightest illegal move,” Le Pen declared. She elaborated on her vision of an MEP’s responsibilities, citing examples such as meeting with voters and attending major events. “I believe it’s a mistake from the European Parliament not to perceive it this way,” she added.
However, the presiding judge expressed dissatisfaction with Le Pen’s responses.
The European Parliament estimates the damage from the alleged crimes to be €3.5 million ($3.8m). The alleged scheme, which began in 2015, involved parliamentary assistant contracts between 2004 and 2016.
Prosecutors allege that the assistants worked solely for the party outside parliament, with many unable to describe their daily tasks and some never even meeting their supposed MEP boss. Allegedly, a bodyguard, a secretary, Le Pen’s chief of staff, and a graphic designer were all hired under false pretenses.
If found guilty, Le Pen and her co-defendants could face up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to €1 million ($1.1m) each. A guilty verdict could also lead to penalties including a loss of civil rights or ineligibility to run for office, significantly impacting Le Pen’s presidential aspirations.
The trial is expected to conclude on November 27.
