Far-right leader Bardella faces EU anti-fraud investigation over alleged misuse of European funds

Jordan Bardella, a prominent figure in France's far-right National Rally party, is under investigation by the European Public Prosecutor's Office for allegedly misappropriating European Union funds. The European Public Prosecutor's Office is the EU's specialized judicial body that investigates and prosecutes crimes affecting the bloc's financial interests, including fraud involving EU budget money. The investigation adds to the legal troubles facing France's far-right movement, as Marine Le Pen, the National Rally's long-time leader and Bardella's political mentor, has previously been convicted on similar charges related to the misuse of EU funds.