Korruption

Left-wing counter-demonstration called by LFI, the Ecologists and CGT against the RN demonstration for Marine Le Pen, Toulouse, France, April 6, 2025.
IMAGO/ABACAPRESS

From far-right firebrand to playing the victim

Anna Schröder
Europe: ruin or renewalFrance on the edge
Why Le Pen’s games are a danger to democracy Like all right-wing extremist parties, the National Rally (Rassemblement National – RN) styles itself as an “anti-establishment” movement fighting against an allegedly corrupt and self-serving political elite. However, when it comes to their own financial interests, either individual or party-wide, they exempt themselves from these high moral standards. This is certainly the case with the most recent verdict against Marine Le Pen, and her allies’ reactions to it. Throughout the trial the RN ...
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Marine Le Pen im Gerichtsgebäude, kurz bevor sie für die Veruntreuung von öffentlichen Geldern zu vier Jahren Haft verurteilt wurde (31.3.2025).
IMAGO/ABACAPRESS

Head Bowed, Hands Dirty

Anna Schröder
Europe: ruin or renewalFrance on the edge
The verdict against Marine Le Pen sends shockwaves around Europe–and is a powerful message against corruption and the abuse of power. The prominent French nationalist Marine Le Pen was today found guilty by the Paris Criminal Court of embezzling public funds. Specifically, Le Pen was accused of misappropriating resources from the European Parliament to pay party staff in France. Around 20 individuals from her close circle were also convicted, including eight Members of the European Parliament. The political impact is seismic: the frontrunner for the 2027 ...
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