The far-right National Rally party in France has fiercely condemned police for an early morning raid at its headquarters, calling it a blatant act of harassment amid an ongoing investigation into its electoral financing practices. The party's president, Jordan Bardella, described the police operation as both "spectacular" and "unprecedented," claiming it represents a serious threat to democratic principles. This inquiry by prosecutors targets potential fraudulent activities tied to the party's 2022 and 2024 election campaigns, focusing on loans and donations. Despite past legal challenges, National Rally maintains a strong presence in public opinion polls, with Bardella noted as a leading political figure in the country. This latest raid comes in the wake of previous legal woes for the party, including Marine Le Pen's recent conviction for embezzlement, which she dismissed as a political witch hunt. Amid these tensions, Bardella has called the investigation a concerted effort to undermine the party, particularly as it explores potential counterfeit campaign expenses and alleged illicit funding.
French Authorities Target National Rally HQ Spark Outrage Among Leaders

French Authorities Target National Rally HQ Spark Outrage Among Leaders
French police conduct a controversial raid on the National Rally party’s headquarters, citing a probe into alleged campaign finance misconduct.
In addition, the European Union prosecutor's office has launched a related investigation into funds associated with a former European Parliament grouping relevant to the RN, compounding challenges for the party as it navigates multiple legal hurdles while gearing up for future elections.