French Court Rules Immediate Political Bans Legal, Threatens Le Pen's 2027 Candidacy

Marine Le Pen, leader of France's National Rally party, faces a potential five-year prison sentence and a ban from public office in an embezzlement trial concluding soon. Prosecutors allege she diverted over 3 million euros in European Parliament funds to pay party staff, seeking a 'provisional execution' ban that could prevent her from contesting the 2027 presidential election. A recent ruling by France's constitutional court supports the legality of immediate bans for local politicians convicted of crimes, impacting Le Pen's situation as she leads polls for the upcoming election. Le Pen argues that the prosecution seeks her 'political death' through these measures. If convicted, the immediate ban would enforce her exclusion from electoral contests while allowing her to retain her current parliamentary position until her term ends. The court's decision has raised concerns regarding the implications for Le Pen's political future and party stability.