French far-right leader Le Pen stands trial over alleged misuse of EU funds

Marine Le Pen, the longtime leader of France's far-right National Rally (RN) party, will stand trial in a Paris criminal court on Monday alongside 26 others over alleged misappropriation of European Union funds.
Coming almost a decade after initial investigations started, the trial presents Le Pen with an opportunity to clear herself of accusations she has always denied as she keeps polishing the party's image in a bid to make it fit for government.
However, it also carries the risk of casting the spotlight on the RN's recurring troubles with the law.
Party officials and employees, former lawmakers and parliamentary assistants are accused of using money destined for EU parliamentary work to pay staff who were working for the RN, which at the time was called the National Front.
EU lawmakers are allocated funds to cover expenses, including their assistants, but are not meant to use them to cross-fund party activities.