Jordan Bardella faces EU raids and investigations ahead of French presidential race

Coordinated police raids were carried out in France, Spain, Italy and Belgium by the European Public Prosecutor's Office as part of an inquiry into the alleged misuse of EU funds by the former Identity and Democracy (ID) parliamentary group, of which the National Rally (RN) and its leader Jordan Bardella were members. Bardella denounced the searches as politically timed, posting on X that “judicial proceedings herald the electoral calendar.”

Simultaneously, French authorities are preparing to open an information‑judicial probe into Bardella himself over alleged false documents that purportedly certify a paid stint as a parliamentary assistant in the European Parliament between February and June 2015. The investigation follows a complaint by anti‑corruption group Anticor and concerns possible misallocation of around €4.3 million in EU grants to party‑related associations and services. Bardella has replied that the procedures are merely “political” and that the RN has “nothing to reproach itself for.”

The raids and judicial actions come weeks before the 2027 French presidential election, with the RN positioned as a leading contender after Marine Le Pen’s conviction barred her from office. The developments underscore heightened scrutiny of far‑right parties across the EU and could influence the upcoming electoral campaign.