The French MP who refused to recognize Russia’s occupation of the Crimean peninsula is accused of misusing EU funds.
On Friday, September 22, the Paris prosecutor’s office said that MP Marine Le Pen and 23 members of her National Rally party should be tried on charges of misusing European Union funds. Reuters writes about it.
The investigation into this case began in December 2016. The prosecutor’s office wanted to find out whether funds allocated to assistants of EU MPs were used to pay people working for the National Rally party.
Important
As journalists note, EU legislators receive money to cover expenses, including paying assistants. However, these funds should not be spent on the needs of the party.
A total of 49 MPs were interrogated within the scope of the investigation. According to the parliamentary report, some of the aides hold senior positions at the National Rally.
The National Rally party rejects the accusations.
“We oppose what appears to be a misunderstanding of the work of opposition MPs and their deputies, which is essentially political in nature,” the party said.
The prosecutor’s office said Marine Le Pen faces 10 years in prison, a fine of 1 million euros and deprivation of the right to hold public office for 10 years. The court has not yet decided whether to accept the prosecutor’s request for review.
Let’s remember, in April 2022, French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen refused to recognize Russia’s occupation of Crimea. According to the politician, “a referendum was being held on the peninsula.”
In May 2023, Marine Le Pen declared that she considered Crimea a legitimate part of Russia because it was “given by a dictator on a whim”. She also claims to have contacted local people during her visits to the peninsula.
Source: Focus
Alfred Hart is an accomplished journalist known for his expert analysis and commentary on global affairs. He currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker, where he provides readers with in-depth coverage of the most pressing issues affecting the world today. With a keen insight and a deep understanding of international politics and economics, Alfred’s writing is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the world we live in.