Marine Le Pen Found Guilty of Embezzlement of European Funds

paris - Marine Le Pen and eight others convicted of misappropriation of public funds. Future political career uncertain. Get details on the trial outcome.

Marine Le Pen Convicted of Misusing Public Funds

Marine Le Pen, the prominent figure of Rassemblement National, was found guilty by the court in Paris along with eight others for embezzling public funds. The verdict was delivered on Monday morning.

Between 2004 and 2016, Le Pen and around twenty others were accused of setting up a scheme to divert European money to the Rassemblement National headquarters in Paris, totaling about 7 million euros. Investigations revealed Le Pen's involvement in establishing the system, although she has consistently denied the allegations.

The court session started at 10:20 a.m. on Monday, with the reading of the verdict expected to last around two hours. The judge emphasized the gravity of the situation and the importance of a thorough explanation of the decision.

The sentencing is still ongoing, and the punishment that Le Pen will receive will be disclosed later today. In a previous hearing on November 13, 2024, the Public Prosecutor's Office demanded a five-year prison term, with three years suspended, a fine of 300,000 euros for misappropriation of public funds, and complicity. Additionally, a five-year ban from running for office was requested.

The prosecution urged for an immediate execution of the sentence, which would prevent Le Pen from running for the French presidential elections in 2027, even if she decides to appeal against the ruling.