The French police conducted a raid on the offices of the far-right National Rally party in Paris on Wednesday, amidst a growing investigation into the party's campaign financing practices. The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed that the inquiry, which began in July 2024, seeks to ascertain whether the party, known for its nationalist and anti-immigrant stance, has violated France's stringent campaign finance regulations.
Jordan Bardella, president of the National Rally, expressed outrage over the raid, branding it an act of harassment against a legitimate political entity and suggesting that it undermines pluralism and democratic reform. He asserted that the operation involved approximately 20 armed officers from France’s financial brigade, executed under the supervision of two investigating judges.
In a statement via social media platform X, Bardella detailed that the operation led to the confiscation of emails, documents, and financial records from the country’s leading opposition party. He pointed out that the exact nature of the allegations remains unclear at this time, claiming that this level of scrutiny aimed at an opposition party has never been witnessed in France's modern political landscape.
The National Rally, which emerged as the largest opposition force in the lower house of Parliament following snap elections last year, is under investigation for its financial practices related to the 2022 presidential and legislative elections, as well as its upcoming campaign for the 2024 European Parliament elections. The inquiry was prompted by multiple alerts from an undisclosed institutional source regarding possible infringements, including the potential for illegal loans to fund campaign activities or fraudulent invoicing for campaign expenses.
While French law allows political parties to secure private loans, such activities are heavily regulated to prevent corruption and ensure transparency, necessitating adherence to strict conditions.
