Police Raid Targets Rassemblement National Amid Financial Investigation
Rassemblement National faces a police raid as investigations into its financial practices intensify.
Key Points
- • A police raid occurred at Rassemblement National's Paris headquarters on July 9, 2025.
- • Party president Jordan Bardella condemned the raid as an 'acharnement' against political pluralism.
- • The investigation centers around private loans, with the RN facing scrutiny for excessive use of this funding method.
- • The RN had over 20 million euros owed in loans by the end of 2023, highlighting potential violations of electoral regulations.
On July 9, 2025, the Rassemblement National (RN), a prominent far-right political party in France, faced a police raid at its Paris headquarters. The raid, carried out by approximately twenty officers from the financial brigade, reportedly focused on collecting documents and emails related to the party’s past electoral campaigns. Party president Jordan Bardella labeled the operation as an act of 'persecution' against the political party, describing it as an assault on democratic pluralism and rights of opposition.
The current investigation stems from concerns that have been brewing since July 2024 regarding loans issued by private individuals to the RN. These loans have recently come under scrutiny following a report by the national campaign accounts and political financing commission (CNCCFP), which indicated that although personal loans are permissible under certain conditions, the RN has made heavy use of this funding method. Notably, the party secured 613 personal loans in 2021, the highest among political parties in France, and had over 20 million euros in loans outstanding by the end of 2023.
Bardella expressed his concerns about the unclear nature of the allegations that led to the raid, stating, "The entirety of our files concerning elections is now in the hands of the judiciary." He also noted that the police action was unrelated to an investigation previously announced by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), which involves financial irregularities concerning the RN's former political group in the European Parliament.
As the authorities delve deeper into the financing practices of the RN, the focus will likely remain on the crucial distinction between permissible loan practices and violations that could lead to accusations of disguised donations, which could pose significant legal repercussions for the party. The CNCCFP's president, Christian Charpy, highlighted the necessity for the party to ensure these loans are repaid promptly to avoid complications in compliance with electoral regulations.