Marine Le Pen, leader of France's Rassemblement National, faces a verdict on charges of misappropriation of EU funds. The prosecution seeks a five-year prison sentence, a fine, and a five-year ban from public office, effectively ending her presidential aspirations.
The central allegation is that Le Pen's party, along with other officials, misused €4.6 million in EU funds intended for parliamentary assistants. Le Pen and 24 others, including her father, are accused of employing staff for party work rather than EU Parliament duties. She is considered the mastermind of a system for misappropriating these funds.
Evidence, including internal documents and witness statements, is considered strong. While Le Pen denies the charges and frames the trial as politically motivated, the judge's decision remains uncertain, particularly concerning the severity of the sentence and the immediate enforceability of any ban from office. The possibility of a one-year ban rather than five exists.
Jordan Bardella, the party's 29-year-old leader, is a possible successor. Though he hasn't publicly declared his ambitions, his recently published biography suggests a possible run for the presidency. Despite the trial, recent polls indicate continued support for Le Pen and her party, unaffected by the accusations.
The trial hasn't negatively impacted the Rassemblement National's public image. The party continues to benefit from discontent towards mainstream parties and enjoys significant support in smaller towns and rural areas. This unwavering support suggests Le Pen's portrayal of the trial as a political conspiracy resonates with her followers.