French far-right leader Marine Le Pen appeared in court on Monday to deny any wrongdoing in a case that has been ongoing for several years. Le Pen, who is known for her strong stance on immigration and national sovereignty, was accused of misusing European Parliament funds to pay her party’s staff.
Le Pen, who has been the leader of the National Rally party since 2011, strongly denied the allegations against her, stating that she has always acted within the law and has never used any public funds for personal gain. She also emphasized that the case against her was politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing her reputation.
The case against Le Pen dates back to 2014 when the European Parliament opened an investigation into the use of funds by the National Front party, which was renamed as the National Rally in 2018. The investigation found that Le Pen had used parliamentary funds to pay her party’s staff, including her personal bodyguard, who was also her partner at the time.
However, Le Pen argued that the staff members in question were carrying out legitimate parliamentary work and were not working for her personally. She also claimed that the European Parliament had approved the use of these funds and that she had followed all the necessary procedures.
During the court hearing, Le Pen’s lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut, argued that the case against his client was based on a flawed interpretation of the rules and that there was no evidence to support the allegations. He also pointed out that the European Parliament had already closed the case in 2019, stating that there was no misuse of funds.
Le Pen’s supporters also gathered outside the court to show their support for her, with many holding signs that read “Stop the political persecution” and “Justice for Marine”. In a statement to the press, Le Pen thanked her supporters and reiterated her innocence, stating that she was confident that the truth would prevail.
This is not the first time that Le Pen has been embroiled in a legal battle. In 2017, she was investigated for tweeting graphic images of violence committed by the Islamic State group. However, the charges were later dropped after the European Parliament lifted her immunity as a member of parliament.
Despite these legal challenges, Le Pen has remained a popular figure in French politics, with her party gaining significant support in recent years. In the 2017 presidential election, she made it to the second round, losing to Emmanuel Macron in a close race.
Le Pen’s strong stance on immigration and national sovereignty has resonated with many French citizens who feel that their country’s identity and values are under threat. She has also been a vocal critic of the European Union and has called for France to leave the bloc, a position that has gained traction in recent years.
As the court hearing continues, Le Pen remains determined to clear her name and prove her innocence. Her supporters have expressed their unwavering support for her, and she remains a prominent figure in French politics. Despite the challenges she has faced, Le Pen remains a strong and influential leader who is determined to fight for the values she believes in.
