A Paris court has officially convicted far-right figurehead and leading candidate for the 2027 presidential election, Marine Le Pen, of embezzlement. As a result of the ruling, she has been banned from running for political office, effective immediately. However, the court has yet to announce the specific duration of this ban. If it exceeds two years, Le Pen’s fourth attempt to secure the French presidency could once again end in failure.
The court’s president, Bénédicte de Perthuis, stated that Le Pen’s actions represented a “serious and lasting attack on the rules of democratic life in Europe, particularly in France.” Notably, Le Pen exited the courtroom before the duration of her ban was disclosed. Currently serving as a member of the French parliament, she was found guilty alongside eight Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from her party, as well as twelve assistants.
Le Pen and her associates were accused of misappropriating funds from the European Parliament to pay staff who were actually working for her political party, the National Rally (RN), within France. The Paris prosecutor had sought a prison sentence of five years, which included two years suspended, alongside a hefty fine of €300,000 (approximately $325,000) and a five-year ineligibility to run for office. Prosecutors aimed for the ban to remain in effect even if Le Pen chooses to appeal the ruling.
In the wake of the trial, current French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin expressed his concerns on the social media platform X, calling it “profoundly shocking” if Le Pen were to be excluded from future elections. Recent polling data indicated that Le Pen was on track to potentially succeed Emmanuel Macron, who is unable to pursue a third consecutive term. Under Le Pen's leadership, the National Rally has made efforts to distance itself from its past associations with racism and antisemitism, aiming to present a more acceptable and politically viable image.
This is an evolving story, and further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
