The main accusation against Le Pen is that her party, the Rassemblement national, received money from the EU parliament for parliamentary assistants who in reality worked in whole or in part for the party.
There are a total of 28 defendants in the case, which involves a sum of almost 7 million euros. The amount corresponds to almost NOK 82 million at today’s exchange rate. It applies to the years 2004 to 2016 and has been a stumbling block for Le Pen and the party for a number of years.
Le Pen paid back 330,000 euros to parliament last year. The party has stressed that the repayment does not imply an admission of guilt.
If Le Pen is convicted, it could have major consequences. The prosecutor has requested that she be barred from election to public office for five years if she is found guilty. It will dash her hopes of running for president again in 2027.
The prosecutor’s office has also requested that a possible verdict – which is expected on 31 March next year – be implemented immediately and not after a possible lengthy legal process.
In addition, a request has been made for five years in prison for Le Pen – three of them suspended – and a fine of 3,000 euros.
Her lawyer filed for acquittal, claiming that the prosecution was looking for a “political elimination” of Le Pen.
She herself has maintained her innocence throughout and says she does not feel that she has done anything wrong.
Read more: Marine Le Pen in court – accused of cheating with EU funds