Marine Le Pen, leader of the Rassemblement National (RN), is undergoing her first interrogation in a trial concerning alleged fake jobs for parliamentary assistants.

The trial, which began on September 30, involves accusations against Le Pen and 24 former RN MEPs of misusing public funds by employing assistants who allegedly worked for the party rather than in their official capacities.

Le Pen, who denies the charges, faces potential penalties including imprisonment, fines, and ineligibility for future elections, which could impact her presidential ambitions for 2027. The trial has also seen testimonies from other party figures, including Bruno Gollnisch, who is accused of misappropriating €1.41 million in EU funds.

The case highlights longstanding allegations of financial misconduct within the party, with former associates like Thierry Légier and Micheline Bruna also implicated in the scandal.