At Le Pen's appeal trial, former party treasurer says he was a mere 'messenger'

Wallerand de Saint-Just, former treasurer of Le Pen's party, before an appeals court in Paris on January 28, 2026. SERGIO AQUINDO FOR LE MONDE

The presiding judge, Michèle Agi, repeatedly called him "Mr. Saint-Jus." Wallerand de Saint-Just let it slide. He is no revolutionary, and he had bigger problems. On March 31, 2025, the former treasurer of Marine Le Pen's far-right party had been convicted of "complicity in the embezzlement of public funds." The sentence included three years in prison, two of which were suspended, a €50,000 fine, and a three-year ban from holding public office, effective immediately. It was one of the heaviest sentences at the trial in which Le Pen was also banned from running in elections.

On Wednesday, January 28, at Le Pen's monthlong appeal trial, where the far-right leader is disputing her own conviction for embezzling public funds, de Saint-Just kept a low profile and barely acknowledged any of the accusations.

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Marine Le Pen returns to court for appeal of graft conviction