Marine Le Pen risks political death as corruption verdict looms

In Paris, France, a verdict is expected today regarding Marine Le Pen and 24 other officials from her National Rally party, who are accused of embezzling approximately €4.5 million in European Parliament funds between 2004 and 2016. The trial, which occurred over nine weeks in late 2024, investigated claims that party officials diverted funds meant for parliamentary aides to pay party staff. Le Pen's position remains precarious as a guilty verdict could result in immediate ineligibility to run for office, potentially derailing her presidential aspirations for the upcoming election in 2027. The prosecution has proposed a two-year prison sentence, a hefty fine, and a five-year period of ineligibility from holding public office, which they want to take effect immediately should she be convicted. This outcome would have severe implications for Le Pen, who has positioned herself as the frontrunner in the race for the French presidency, especially with Emmanuel Macron unable to seek a third term due to constitutional limits. Throughout the trial, Le Pen has maintained her innocence, claiming she is a victim of political persecution. She argued that it is acceptable for parliamentary aides to engage in political activities for party purposes, emphasizing that adapting their work to the needs of lawmakers did not constitute wrongdoing. However, prosecutors contended that the misuse of funds for party-related activities rather than parliamentary duties violated EU regulations. The outcome of the trial is anticipated to resonate beyond Le Pen’s personal future; it could significantly influence the landscape of French politics. Should she become ineligible to run for president, it would compel the National Rally to seek alternative candidates, thus altering the dynamics of the upcoming elections. Although Le Pen's support has increased significantly, the implications of a conviction could see her party lose momentum as they face pressures from within and outside the party.