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French authorities have conducted a raid on the headquarters of the National Rally party, the leading far-right political force in France, as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in campaign financing. The raid, which took place earlier today, marks a significant escalation in the scrutiny surrounding the party's financial practices ahead of the upcoming European Parliament elections.

The investigation centres on accusations of misuse of European Parliament funds, with concerns raised over whether allowances intended for parliamentary work were instead diverted to fund campaign activities. Specifically, authorities are examining claims that assistants employed by National Rally MEPs were not performing the duties expected of them, and that their salaries were being used to bolster the party's resources.

Jordan Bardella, the party’s president and lead candidate for the European elections, was present in Paris when the raid occurred. While he has not yet released a detailed statement, sources within the party confirmed the raid and expressed their belief that it is a politically motivated attack. “This is a blatant attempt to smear our reputation and undermine our campaign,” one senior party official stated anonymously. “We are fully cooperating with the authorities and are confident that the investigation will clear our name.”

The National Rally, formerly known as the National Front, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, fueled by anti-immigration sentiment and a focus on national identity. The party’s strong showing in previous elections has made it a major force in French politics, and its success in the European elections could significantly impact the balance of power within the European Parliament. This investigation comes at a particularly sensitive time, as the party is actively campaigning to gain support for the upcoming vote.

The French financial prosecutor’s office has confirmed the raid and stated that it is part of a wider investigation into the National Rally’s finances. Investigators are reportedly searching for documents and electronic devices that could shed light on the alleged irregularities. The investigation could potentially lead to criminal charges against party officials, including Bardella himself, if evidence of wrongdoing is found. The implications of such charges would be far-reaching, potentially impacting the party's electoral prospects and its influence on French politics.

The European Parliament has also expressed concern about the allegations and has stated that it is closely monitoring the situation. The Parliament has the power to impose sanctions on MEPs found to have misused funds, and any findings of wrongdoing could have serious consequences for National Rally MEPs.

This ongoing investigation highlights the challenges faced by political parties in ensuring transparency and accountability in their financial dealings. It also underscores the importance of robust oversight mechanisms to prevent the misuse of public funds, particularly in the context of European elections, where significant sums of money are at stake. The outcome of this investigation will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the National Rally and on the broader political landscape in France.