Read moreWhat does the EU embezzlement trial mean for Le Pen and the French far right?
On Monday, Le Pen outlined the basis of her defence, telling the court that she believed a Member of the European Parliament’s role was as much to push their party’s agenda in France as it was to work on legislation in Brussels.
“I don’t see the difference between a national MP’s task and a European MP’s task, except the scale,” Le Pen said. “We’re doing politics!”
If found guilty, defendants could face a potential jail sentence of up to 10 years and a one million euro ($1.1 million) fine. Those like Le Pen who were elected officials at the time risk being barred from public office for up to 10 years, while the unelected could face a five-year ban.
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If Le Pen was cleared, it would add credibility to her and political party, as they seek to leave behind a reputation for racism and anti-Semitism when her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, 96, ran the National Front.
EU lawmakers are allocated funds to cover expenses, including their assistants, but are not meant to use them to cross-fund party activities. The European Parliament has estimated the damage of the alleged crimes at 3.5 million euros ($3.92 million).
(Reuters)
Source link : https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20241014-french-far-right-marine-le-pen-faces-paris-court-in-fake-eu-jobs-trial-european-parliament-national-rally
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Publish date : 2024-10-14 11:47:00
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