Louis Aliot, the current mayor of Perpignan and former European Parliament member, is facing charges of public fund misappropriation.

The case revolves around the employment of Laurent Salles as a full-time parliamentary assistant from July 2014 to February 2015, despite scant evidence of his work.

Investigations revealed minimal communication between Aliot and Salles, with only a few emails and a single phone call recorded.

Salles, who was recommended by a party official, was primarily involved in party activities rather than parliamentary duties.

This trial is part of a broader investigation into the alleged misuse of European funds by the National Rally party, formerly known as the National Front, under the leadership of Marine Le Pen.

The court is examining whether these practices were isolated incidents or part of a systematic approach by the party to exploit European financial resources.