In a significant ruling, French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has been found guilty of embezzlement, resulting in an immediate ban from holding public office. The verdict was delivered on March 31, 2025, following a nine-week trial that saw Le Pen and 24 other officials from her National Rally (Rassemblement National – RN) party accused of misappropriating over €3 million (£2.51 million) in European Union funds.
The court proceedings revealed that the funds, intended for European Parliament activities, were diverted to pay for staff based in France between 2004 and 2016. Chief Judge Benedicte de Perthuis stated that the evidence indicated the defendants engaged in a systematic scheme to reduce party costs through embezzlement, rather than mere administrative oversights.
Le Pen, who did not remain in court to hear the verdict, has denied orchestrating any fraudulent activities, asserting that the money was used legitimately. However, the judge’s ruling also included guilty verdicts for eight other current or former members of her party who served as Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).
The implications of this verdict are profound, as Le Pen, a three-time presidential candidate, has been barred from pursuing any public office, with the duration of the ban yet to be clarified. As she had previously indicated plans for a final presidential run in 2027, this ruling marks a significant turning point in her political career.
As the situation develops, further updates will follow.
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