BREAKING NEWS
PARIS – May 12, 2026 – Jordan Bardella, the high-profile president of France’s far-right National Rally (RN) and a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), is now officially under investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) for alleged misappropriation of EU funds. The probe, confirmed today, centers on accusations that European grants were improperly used to finance media training intended for domestic political campaigning, rather than legitimate parliamentary work.
This development marks a significant escalation in scrutiny for one of France’s most prominent political figures, coming just days after the EPPO launched its formal inquiry on May 7, 2026. The investigation stems from a complaint filed in Paris by the anti-graft association AC!! Anti-Corruption in December 2025, which was subsequently forwarded to the EPPO by France’s National Financial Prosecutor’s Office (PNF).
The Charges Against Jordan Bardella
The core of the allegations against Jordan Bardella revolves around the misuse of European Parliament funds for media training sessions. Specifically, the complaint asserts that EU grants were diverted to prepare Bardella and other RN MEPs for media appearances directly related to the 2022 French presidential campaign. European Parliament rules strictly prohibit the use of such funds for domestic political activities, reserving them solely for parliamentary duties.
Investigative reports from the weekly *Le Canard Enchaîné* have highlighted a contract with communications coach Pascal Humeau, who was reportedly tasked with assisting Bardella from September 2021. This timing directly preceded the 2022 presidential election. Humeau’s company, Kon Tiki Conseil, allegedly secured a contract for €133,133.86 from the Identity and Democracy group (now Patriots for Europe), to which the RN belongs. Further questions have been raised regarding Kon Tiki Conseil’s eligibility, as reports suggest the company, created in March 2019, may not have met the minimum three-year operational history required for such a contract. Bardella has publicly stated that the contract was “suspended” during the 2022 presidential election and that he has been in “total conformity with the rules of the European Parliament.”
Scale of the Alleged Misappropriation
While the full extent of the alleged misappropriation is still under investigation, the contract with Kon Tiki Conseil for €133,133.86 represents a significant sum paid by a European parliamentary group. The primary victims in this case are the European Union and its taxpayers, as funds intended for the functioning of European democracy are alleged to have been diverted for national political gain. This type of financial impropriety erodes public trust and undermines the integrity of European institutions.
This is not the first time the National Rally has faced financial scrutiny. In 2025, France’s National Campaign Accounts Commission was reportedly investigating the financing of Bardella’s 2024 European election campaign, specifically concerning over four million euros borrowed from 225 individuals. The Commission also noted irregularities in the accounts of other RN candidates between 2021 and 2023, indicating a broader pattern of financial questions surrounding the party.
Who Is Jordan Bardella?
Jordan Bardella, born on September 13, 1995, in Drancy, a suburb northeast of Paris, is a prominent and rapidly ascendant figure in French politics. He joined the National Front (now National Rally) at just 16 and quickly rose through its ranks. Bardella has served as a Member of the European Parliament since 2019, having led the RN’s list in that year’s European elections. Since 2022, he has been the president of the National Rally, succeeding Marine Le Pen. He briefly served as a regional councillor of Île-de-France from 2015, resigning in 2025 to focus on his national and European roles. Educated in geography at the Sorbonne University, he left academia to dedicate himself fully to his political career.
Investigation Details
The EPPO’s investigation was triggered by the complaint from AC!! Anti-Corruption, which was then referred by the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office. The fraud was initially brought to light through detailed reporting by *Le Canard Enchaîné*. The EPPO, an independent body responsible for investigating and prosecuting fraud affecting the financial interests of the EU, is now leading the examination of Bardella’s expenses and the nature of the media training contracts.
“The alleged misuse of European funds for domestic political campaigning represents a serious breach of trust and a direct challenge to the principles of financial integrity within the European Parliament.”
What Happens Next
As of now, no formal charges have been filed against Jordan Bardella, and no arrest dates or court appearances have been set. Bardella has vehemently denied the accusations, stating his intention to pursue legal action for defamation and slander against his accusers. The EPPO investigation is ongoing, and its findings could have significant political ramifications, particularly with crucial elections on the horizon. The process will likely involve a thorough review of financial records, contracts, and potentially witness testimonies to determine whether EU funds were indeed misappropriated. The ultimate outcome could range from exoneration to formal charges and potential penalties, including fines or even imprisonment, depending on the severity and proof of any wrongdoing.
Readers should remain vigilant for related fraud investigations and be aware of potential red flags in political financing. The National Rally’s history of alleged financial impropriety, including Marine Le Pen’s 2025 conviction for embezzlement in a separate but similar case involving EU funds, serves as a stark warning. Scrutiny of company eligibility criteria for contracts, clear guidelines on the use of public funds, and transparent reporting are crucial in preventing such alleged abuses. The timing and nature of any services procured with public money, especially around major election cycles, warrant careful examination to ensure they align with their stated purpose.
