Marine Le Pen, the former leader of the Rassemblement National (RN), is set to face trial starting September 30, 2024, for alleged embezzlement of EU funds, a situation that could jeopardize her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election.

Le Pen and 24 other party officials are accused of creating a scheme to improperly charge the European Parliament for assistants who primarily worked for the RN, with the total amount involved estimated at approximately 6.8 million euros.

Prosecutors allege that a fake jobs scheme operated from 2004 to 2016, where many assistants were reportedly employed by the party rather than fulfilling their parliamentary duties.

Evidence suggests that there was an intention to divert European Parliament funds for party use, supported by communications among party officials.

The investigation, which began in 2014 after the European Anti-Fraud Office received reports of irregularities, has revealed potential systematic concealment methods used by the party throughout the inquiry.

The trial comes at a politically significant time for the RN, which, despite finishing third in recent parliamentary elections, has gained substantial influence and is now a key player in the political landscape.

The case will examine the hiring practices of 49 RN parliamentary assistants over the past three European Parliament terms, highlighting the alleged misuse of European funds.

The RN is not the only party facing scrutiny; the MoDem party was fined for similar infractions earlier this year, indicating broader issues of accountability in EU parliamentary funding.

Le Pen has consistently denied the allegations, previously repaying 330,000 euros to the European Parliament, which she claims is not an admission of guilt.

As Le Pen attempts to reshape her party's image to be more mainstream, the legal proceedings could hinder these efforts, although some analysts believe RN supporters may overlook the scandal.

Le Pen's defense attorney has shifted focus to a political role, raising questions about the defense strategy as the trial unfolds.

The prosecution's case is bolstered by inconsistencies in employment conditions for the assistants, including late arrivals in Brussels and questionable job responsibilities.