The prosecution presented damning evidence that many of the assistants never worked the jobs they were said to have.
“If you don’t work, it’s hard to prove that you did work,” the lawmaker said.
Two years to go
A lot can happen between now and 2027. If Le Pen is sentenced but appeals, there’s a chance that her new trial would take place before then. However, that’s beyond the National Rally’s control, and kicking the can down the road would be a risky tactic.
“We’re waiting for the verdict and depending on what it is, we’ll adjust … If the sentence is immediately executed, that means political death, so we’ll have to see what we do,” said one of Le Pen’s closest associates, who was granted anonymity to discuss internal matters.
While the 2027 election is still wide open, other front-runners, like former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, have already announced plans to run and have started campaign preparations.
Despite putting on a brave face, Le Pen’s associate acknowledged the imminent challenges the National Rally would face if the court follows the prosecutors’ recommendations.
The National Rally already has a backup candidate; Le Pen has been working in tandem with Bardella since he took the reins of the party in 2022. The millennial far-right politician led the party in the last two European elections and during last summer’s general election in France — when he was presented as the National Rally’s candidate for prime minister, but only managed to lead his party to an underwhelming third-place finish.
But Bardella lacks Le Pen’s experience in presidential campaigns.
“A plan B needs to be prepared, planned for, thought through,” Le Pen’s associate said. “Our plan B already exists, but he’s our candidate for prime minister.”
