French probe into LFI parliamentary assistants closed, no trial for Mélenchon

French judicial authorities have concluded their eight-year investigation into allegations of misuse of funds involving European Parliament assistants associated with the far-left La France Insoumise (LFI) party. The probe will not lead to a trial for prominent LFI leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon.

While Mélenchon himself will not be formally charged, two of his former parliamentary assistants have been placed under the status of "témoin assisté," or assisted witness. This legal status signifies that while they are not facing immediate indictment, investigators have found sufficient grounds to suspect them of wrongdoing, and they have been formally notified of potential charges.

The investigation, which spanned nearly a decade, focused on how parliamentary assistants were allegedly employed and compensated. The decision not to pursue charges against Mélenchon marks a significant outcome for the LFI party, which has faced scrutiny over its administrative practices.