Marine Le Pen, the French politician from the National Rally party, defends herself against accusations of illegal funding related to EU parliamentary assistants. She argues that these assistants are inherently involved in politics and denies any wrongdoing. The trial could significantly impact her political future, especially regarding her potential candidacy for the presidency in 2027, as a guilty verdict could lead to penalties including ineligibility for public office. Teljes cikk (bbc.com europe)