The European Parliament was justified in reclaiming funds from Jean-Marie Le Pen during his time as MEP, the European Court of Justice has ruled.
On Wednesday, the court dismissed appeal by Le Pen’s daughters following his death earlier this year.
Jean-Marie Le Pen, founder of the far-right French party Front National, now known as Rassemblement National, challenged the EU court’s decision in 2024 after the European Parliament’s Secretary-General sought to recover over €300,000.
The funds were allegedly for personal expenses as parliamentary ones between 2008 and 2018.
In his complaint, Le Pen argued that the principles of legal certainty and legitimate expectations had been violated, and he alleged his right to a fair trial was breached.
He demanded the cancellation of the European Parliament’s debit note issued to him.
Following Le Pen’s death on 7 January 2025, his heirs continued the legal battle.
The court has now ruled that the debit note does not violate the principles of legal certainty or legitimate expectations.
It noted that the European Parliament’s Secretary-General informed Le Pen of the alleged irregularities as early as January 2024, giving him two months to respond.
The court also clarified that the right to a fair trial was not infringed, as it applies only to court proceedings.
