French police search National Rally party headquarters in far-right probe

Police Search Headquarters of France’s National Rally in Financing Probe

Police have conducted a raid at the headquarters of France’s National Rally (RN), seizing documents as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected illegal campaign financing. Jordan Bardella, the party’s leader, described the operation as an act of "harassment."

The raid followed a recent announcement by EU financial prosecutors in Brussels regarding a separate inquiry into the alleged misuse of €4.3 million by the former far-right Identity & Democracy (ID) group in the European Parliament, of which RN was a member.

This development adds to the party’s recent challenges after its prominent figure, Marine Le Pen, was convicted in March of misusing EU funds. The conviction barred her from holding public office for five years, effectively ending her chances of running in the 2027 presidential election.

Bardella, 29, whom Le Pen has asked to prepare for a potential campaign in her place, stated on social media that around 20 officers from the financial crimes unit had searched RN’s headquarters, including leaders’ offices. He said authorities had taken emails, documents, and financial records tied to recent regional, national, and European elections, calling the move "a direct strike against democratic choice."

The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that the raid was linked to an investigation launched last July, examining whether 2022 and 2024 election campaigns were financed through "unauthorized loans from private individuals to the party or its candidates." Prosecutors are also looking into claims that RN submitted inflated or false invoices to obtain state reimbursements for campaign expenses. Several company executives’ offices and residences were also searched.

Prosecutors stated that the probe focuses on potential fraud, breaches of campaign financing rules, money laundering, forgery, and the use of falsified documents between 2020 and 2024.

Meanwhile, EU prosecutors are investigating allegations that the ID group, which included members from RN, Italy’s Lega, and Germany’s AfD, improperly spent over €4 million in EU funds. Reports from multiple European outlets suggest much of the money went to firms connected to a former adviser of Le Pen and his wife. The ID group disbanded last year and has since been replaced by Patriots for Europe.

Le Pen has appealed her conviction, hoping to clear the way for a fourth presidential campaign in 2027. Polls indicate she or Bardella could be strong contenders if eligible.