Far-right politician Marine Le Pen leaves the courtroom during a brief break in her appeal trial in Paris, France, Wednesday, February 11, 2026.Image: keystone
February 11, 2026, 4:50 p.mFebruary 11, 2026, 4:50 p.m
In the appeal process involving allegedly embezzled EU funds, the defense of French right-wing nationalist politician Marine Le Pen has called for an acquittal.
In the process that was crucial for a candidacy in next year’s presidential election, Le Pen had previously denied any responsibility for the possible fictitious employment of assistants in the European Parliament.
The prosecution, however, sees it as proven that the assistants paid by parliament actually worked for Le Pen’s Front National party (now Rassemblement National, RN). There was a fraudulent operation to finance the party and a scheme to embezzle public funds. The allegations relate to the years 2004 to 2016.
Candidacy for presidential election in danger
In addition to a year in prison with an electronic ankle bracelet and a fine, the prosecution demanded a temporary loss of the right to stand for Le Pen. In the first instance, the court had revoked Le Pen’s right to stand for five years with immediate effect. If the appeals court confirms this punishment, it would be virtually impossible for the 57-year-old to run for the presidential election.
Marine Le Pen has already lost two presidential elections to Emmanuel Macron.Image: keystone
In this case, Le Pen had already signaled that, regardless of a possible appeal against the court decision, he would not run for office and would send RN party leader Jordan Bardella into the race for the Élysée Palace. Le Pen has already run for president three times and lost in the runoff to Emmanuel Macron in the last two elections in 2017 and 2022.
A verdict in the appeal process is not expected until the summer. The court wanted to announce the date of the verdict at the end of the hearing this Wednesday. (sda/dpa/val)