ISTANBUL

France’s far-right National Rally (RN) has begun repaying nearly $3.8 million to the European Parliament after it was found liable in a high-profile case involving the misuse of EU funds intended for parliamentary assistants, media reports said Tuesday.

The BFMTV broadcaster said the party, led by Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, has already transferred an initial payment of around $1.64 million.

A second installment is expected in October as part of a settlement reached following a March 31 ruling by the Paris Judicial Court.

The court found that former National Front MEPs (members of the European Parliament), now part of the RN, had hired assistants who worked primarily for the party rather than for EU parliamentary duties.

It ordered the party to reimburse $3.54 million in economic losses to the European Parliament, and an additional $218,000 for moral damages, bringing the total to nearly $3.8 million, excluding interest.

“This is starting to be a lot,” a source close to the party reportedly said, highlighting the financial strain as the RN prepares for the 2027 presidential election.

Rather than seek a legal delay in payment, an option available under French civil procedure, Le Pen opted to comply immediately.

A party insider said the move was aimed at “getting into a good frame of mind” ahead of an appeal and avoiding the risk of European Parliament bailiffs seizing party assets.

Party President Jordan Bardella has previously slammed the ruling as a “financial killing,” while Le Pen claimed it was an attempt to undermine democratic competition in France.

“We still plan to self-finance part of the campaign—around $5.5 to $6.5 million,” said RN Treasurer Kevin Pfeffer. “But we will also start approaching banks, even though I’m not very optimistic about finding a French one willing to work with us.”

RN has yet to confirm whether Le Pen or Bardella will be the party’s candidate in 2027.

“We’ve emphasized that the polls are strong for both,” said Pfeffer. “Supporters of Marine Le Pen would also back Jordan Bardella.”