European prosecutors investigate Rassemblement National for suspected fraud
Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- The European Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation into suspected fraud involving the Rassemblement National (RN) party.
- The probe centers on allegations that EU funds were used for media training for party members, including Jordan Bardella, during the 2022 presidential campaign.
- The RN has denied the accusations, stating the training was conducted in compliance with European Parliament rules and was interrupted due to the presidential campaign.
The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) has initiated an investigation into the Rassemblement National (RN) concerning allegations of fraud related to the use of European Union funds. This probe, stemming from a complaint filed by the association AC!! Anti-Corruption, focuses on suspected misuse of funds for media training sessions provided to RN members, including party president Jordan Bardella, during the 2022 French presidential campaign.
Ces prestations de ’’média training’’ ont été réalisées par ce prestataire dans les règles du Parlement européen, validées par les services du Parlement européen, sur des sujets européens, auprès de plusieurs eurodéputés de la délégation RN sur la mandature 2019-2024, dont Jordan Bardella.
Le Figaro, in reporting this development, notes that the EPPO's investigation follows preliminary checks after the initial complaint. The core of the accusation is that EU funds, allocated to MEPs for European matters, were allegedly diverted for purposes unrelated to their intended use, specifically for training aimed at enhancing the media presence of party officials during a crucial political period. The association suspects these funds were used to prepare RN members, and notably Bardella, for media appearances.
Elles ont été interrompues, précisément en raison du début de la campagne présidentielle de 2022.
The Rassemblement National has vehemently contested these allegations. In a statement, the party asserted that the media training sessions were conducted in accordance with the rules of the European Parliament and were approved by its services. They further clarified that these sessions, which involved several RN MEPs during the 2019-2024 mandate, were halted precisely because of the commencement of the 2022 presidential campaign. The RN also highlighted that Jordan Bardella had previously filed a complaint for slander against the anti-corruption association.
Après une phase de vérifications, une enquête a été ouverte, pour suspicion de fraude» aux fonds de l'Union européenne.
This investigation places a spotlight on the financial dealings of political parties within the EU framework. From a French perspective, particularly for a nationalist party like the RN, such scrutiny from a supranational body can be framed as an external interference or a politically motivated attack. The party's swift and firm denial, emphasizing adherence to parliamentary regulations and the interruption of services due to campaign activities, aims to counter any narrative of wrongdoing and protect its image and leadership. The legal proceedings will likely be closely watched, with the RN positioning itself as a victim of baseless accusations while the EPPO proceeds with its inquiry into the alleged misuse of public funds.
Le parquet européen a pour règle de ne pas commenter les investigations en cours.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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