European Probe Targets French Right Leaders Over Funding Allegations

The National Rally party and Brussels have been described as an "endless story" by Courrier International, reflecting ongoing issues within France's prominent far-right political group.

On June 30, shortly before a Paris Court of Appeal ruling expected on July 7 regarding Marine Le Pen's eligibility to run in the presidential election, Jordan Bardella, leader of the National Rally, announced on the platform X that authorities conducted searches at offices of companies contracting with his party in France, Belgium, Italy, and Spain.

European Investigation and €4.3 Million Suspicions

The European Chief Prosecutor is leading an investigation targeting the Identity and Democracy group in the European Parliament, suspecting misuse of European funds allocated between 2019 and 2024.

According to the Belgian newspaper Le Soir, the amount under suspicion is approximately €4.3 million. The inquiry is based on a report from the European Parliament's financial directorate, which identified irregularities in the tender procedures for communication contracts awarded to companies reportedly close to the National Rally.

In a more sensitive development, Le Canard enchaîné revealed that a judicial investigation has been opened against Bardella personally, on suspicion of holding a "phantom job" in the European Parliament in 2015, an accusation similar to the one facing Marine Le Pen.

Politico also noted that Bardella is now confronted with fraud allegations akin to those threatening Le Pen's political future.

Harassment or Documented Corruption?

Bardella has denied the accusations, describing the situation as "a new harassment operation by the European Parliament administration." Conversely, the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung pointed out that the party, formerly known as the National Front, has built much of its political discourse on criticizing the European Union and its substantial budget spending, yet it remains repeatedly accused of exploiting European funds for its party interests.

The French newspaper Le Soir suggested that the scope of the case goes beyond financial investigations, noting that any ruling barring Marine Le Pen from candidacy could lead Bardella to announce his own presidential bid to succeed President Emmanuel Macron.

French Public Opinion: "Everyone Is Corrupt"

Amid this political turmoil, The Telegraph from the UK observed that these investigations may not weaken the National Rally's prospects under Bardella's leadership, as the party is experiencing its strongest electoral phase and is considered a leading contender for the Élysée Palace in the 2027 elections.

Politico quoted Mathieu Gallard, head of studies at the Ipsos foundation, stating, "Not because voters believe the National Rally is innocent, but because they believe all parties are corrupt."

Süddeutsche Zeitung described the paradox of the French political scene, saying, "The corruption story never ends, but it does not stop votes," highlighting the persistence of electoral support despite ongoing scandals.

By Sarah Abdelkader