Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Le Pen Denies EU Funds Misuse
Marine Le Pen, a leader in France, is in court because she is accused of using money from the European Union for her political party instead of the intended purpose.
She says she didn't do anything wrong and that her father was in charge before 2014.
The court will decide if she can still run for president in 2027.
If she can't, someone else from her party might run instead.
The trial is happening now and will finish in February, with a decision coming before summer.
Marine Le Pen is appealing a conviction for misusing over 4 million euros of EU funds between 2004 and 2016.
She denies creating a system within her party to misuse the funds and blames her late father for the pre-2014 management.
The trial, which started on January 21, is expected to last until February 12, with a ruling before summer.
A five-year ban from public office could prevent Le Pen from running in the 2027 presidential election.
If Le Pen is barred from running, Jordan Bardella, the president of the National Rally party, is expected to be her replacement.
- Who
- Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally (RN) party in France
- What
- Appeal trial regarding misappropriation of EU funds
- When
- Trial ongoing from January 21 to February 12, with a ruling expected before summer
- Where
- Paris, France
- Why
- Le Pen was convicted of misusing EU funds and faces a five-year ban from public office, which could affect her eligibility for the 2027 presidential election
- Defendant
- Marine Le Pen
- Charges
- Misappropriating EU funds
- Amount Misused
- 4 million euros
- Trial Duration
- January 21 to February 12
- Potential Consequence
- Five-year ban from public office
- Alternative Candidate
- Jordan Bardella