Corruption and Development – France’s Recent Rulings
Marine Le Pen speaking at a recent rally for her political party. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
Since the start of US President Donald Trump’s administration in January, France has played a frontal role in Europe’s organization and potential retaliation. French President Emanuel Macron has organized various meetings amongst European countries and the Coalition of Willing has been formed alongside Britain. However, the state has had internal difficulties and developments while managing international affairs.
Marine Le Pen, the leader of a far-right political party known as the National Rally, has been sentenced to four years in prison and fined for 100,000 euros after being accused of embezzling approximately $5 million USD from the European Parliament. Additionally, her political party has been fined 2 million euros for the money utilized. She is accused of having used the funds to finance the National Rally from 2004 to 2016, while she served as its president.
Le Pen took over the National Rally after her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, who had a past of anti semitic comments and extremist policies. Since succeeding her father, she served as the president of the National Rally from 2011 to 2021 and is currently a member of the French National Assembly. She has attempted to convert the organization to a respected coalition and a mainstream contender for France’s government. Marine Le Pen attempted for France’s highest office three times – 2012, 2017, and 2022 – and received 41.5% of the vote in the most recent election. She intended to run for office in the future 2027 general election, and although she is currently still a member of the French National Assembly, the recent charges have derailed her chances of seeking election. President Macron is not eligible for re-election in 2027. As the National Rally’s popularity increased in recent years, the future direction of France’s national government remains uncertain.
Marine Le Pen denied any charges and announced plans to appeal the ruling, calling the accusations a ‘witch hunt’. The politician insisted that she and her party are being targeted but has promised to continue to fight to protect civil rights in France. Jordan Bardella, the current president of the National Rally, has condemned the charges as an attack against democracy in France. The appeals could take several years to process, leaving time before Le Pen’s future is decided.
Marine Le Pen exiting the National Rally headquarters after a four-year conviction is announced. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)
The indictments against Le Pen come at an important moment for France, when changes are taking place both within and outside the nation. On Wednesday, April 9, President Macron announced plans to recognize Palestine as a state as early as this June. Macron scheduled a conference with Saudi Arabia to advocate for a two-state solution in the Middle East but has only started to acknowledge Palestine’s sovereignty until recently. Additionally, the French courts have begun to consider requiring consent for sex to be legally considered as consensual, following recent rape convictions. With a new bill being passed in the beginning of April widening the definition of rape, the country is making changes in its domestic and international policies.
Marine Le Pen’s sentence has sparked conversation about France’s political parties and justice in the state’s government. A recent poll by BFMTV reports that approximately 60% of respondents in France believe that the charges are just, yet the National Rally has accused the courts of bias. France has undertaken a large role in the management of Europe – regarding issues such as Ukraine, the development of an independent military and more – and has faced shifts on various issues. At a delicate time for Europe, the nation has attention on the continent’s progression, as well as its own. While the future of Le Pen and her political party remain uncertain, France promises to continue progressing.