Appeal Trial Intensifies for Marine Le Pen Over Misuse of EU Parliament Funds

On February 3, 2026, Marine Le Pen appeared at the Paris courthouse for the appeal trial concerning allegations that she and National Rally officials misappropriated European Parliament funds to pay party staff between 2004 and 2016. Le Pen was previously sentenced in the first instance to four years in prison, with two years suspended, a €100,000 fine, and a five-year ineligibility from holding public office, which started immediately.

During the appeal proceedings, the public prosecutor announced their intention to demand the confirmation of Le Pen's guilt as well as additional penalties, particularly further periods of ineligibility. The prosecution criticized Le Pen and the other defendants for trying to undermine the judiciary's legitimacy, emphasizing that judges uphold the law and do not oppose the people's will.

This trial is pivotal for Le Pen's political future, especially as it could impact her ability to run in the 2027 presidential election. The court's ruling is expected by summer 2026, and the prosecution stressed that for Le Pen to realistically campaign, the ineligibility imposed would need to be minimal and not combined with restrictive measures such as electronic monitoring.

The case centers on the alleged misuse of European Parliament funds by paying National Rally party employees during financially difficult times, a scheme confessed by some of the 25 defendants convicted originally, half of whom have appealed their sentences. Prosecutors are pushing for a strong affirmation of criminal responsibility, viewing the judicial outcomes as critical to maintaining the rule of law amid political controversy.

Overall, this appeal trial embodies a significant legal and political challenge for Marine Le Pen and the National Rally, with outcomes that could influence the landscape of French politics and the forthcoming presidential race.