Le Pen and National Rally Party Face Trial Over Alleged Misuse of EU Funds

Marine Le Pen, the leader of France's far-right National Rally party, and 25 other defendants, including her father Jean-Marie Le Pen, are on trial in Paris for allegedly embezzling European Parliament funds. The charges claim that they hired assistants to work on party affairs rather than for the European Parliament, which is a violation of parliamentary rules. If found guilty, Le Pen could face fines and imprisonment, as well as a possible decade-long ban from public office. The trial is being closely watched by Le Pen's political rivals, as she is a strong contender in the race to succeed Emmanuel Macron. Le Pen has denied any wrongdoing, stating that she and her party have not violated any rules.