Marine Le Pen, long-time leader of France’s far-right National Rally and presidential hopeful, goes on trial in Paris on Monday accused of misusing European parliamentary funds.
More than 20 other senior figures in the party are also facing the same charges. They are accused of hiring assistants who worked on party affairs rather than for the European parliament which paid them.
If Le Pen is found guilty, she could face fines and imprisonment – and potentially be declared ineligible to run for office for up to 10 years, hitting her presidential ambitions.
It’s getting pretty hopeless to see all these political figures so often put in front of a judge, but it seldom has an impact on their career. Never imprisoned, fines are hardly a problem considering how rich (or friend of rich people) most of them are, or they have someone to take the fall.
These days, it’s even an advantage to be prosecuted or condemned, making them appear as victims.
Not to be pessimistic but when you did you last see: 1 - nazi where they belong 2 - French justices tackling the real issue
France regularly tries and convicts corrupt officials. If this is new to you, it just means you’re not paying attention.
In 2023, Sarkozy’s attempt to appeal the decision was denied and he has been banned from holding public office for three years and but will still have the option of serving his sentence from home with an electronic bracelet.[182]
A slap on the wrist ten years after you’ve retired isn’t going to persuade anyone not to do crime for a bunch of money and power.
