The investigation raises questions about the integrity of the National Rally’s campaign finance and its implications for democracy in France.
French Authorities Investigate National Rally Over Campaign Finance Practices
French Authorities Investigate National Rally Over Campaign Finance Practices
Police conduct a raid on the offices of the far-right party amid allegations of financial misconduct.
The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed on Wednesday that French police carried out a raid on the offices of the National Rally, a prominent far-right party, as part of an ongoing investigation into potential violations of campaign finance laws. This investigation, which began in July 2024, seeks to ascertain whether the party has engaged in illicit financing practices during its electoral campaigns.
Jordan Bardella, who heads the National Rally, denounced the operation, claiming it represents state harassment and poses a danger to democratic pluralism. Around 20 officers from the financial police participated in the raid, overseen by two judges tasked with the unfolding investigation. Bardella highlighted the scale of the action, noting the seizure of emails, documents, and other financial records necessary for the party's operation.
"This unprecedented attack on an opposition party under the Fifth Republic is alarming," Bardella stated on social media, reflecting his party's concerns over the legal scrutiny it is facing.
The National Rally, which has secured its position as the largest opposition party in the French National Assembly following recent snap elections, has been a prominent voice against immigration policies and other government directives. Its leader, Marine Le Pen, has a history of challenging President Emmanuel Macron in prior presidential elections.
The prosecutor's office indicated that the investigation was instigated by multiple reports regarding the party’s financial dealings during the 2022 presidential and legislative campaigns, as well as its upcoming bid for the European Parliament in 2024. However, the identity of the whistleblower or institutional source remains undisclosed.
Authorities are examining allegations that the National Rally may have secured unlawful loans from private individuals or engaged in fraudulent invoicing practices related to campaign expenditures, which are eligible for state reimbursement under French law. While loans to political parties are permitted, they are subject to stringent regulations to ensure transparency and accountability.
