Marine Le Pen Banned from 2027 Election After Embezzlement Conviction

Marine Le Pen, the leader of France's far-right National Rally party, drew comparisons between her legal struggles and the civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King Jr. during a rally in Paris, following a court ruling that convicted her of embezzlement and imposed a five-year ban on her eligibility for the 2027 presidential election. Le Pen's conviction, which included a sentence of house arrest and a fine, sparked protests that attracted thousands of supporters who chanted for her cause. While she vowed to use all legal means to appeal the ruling, critics from the left and centrist camps held counter-demonstrations, reinforcing the polarized political climate. Le Pen's contentious remarks about the judicial system have raised concerns, with some supporters questioning the impartiality of the judges involved. Despite the challenges, polls indicate that Le Pen remains a frontrunner for the upcoming election, underscoring her continuing influence in French politics. The Paris court is expected to rule on her appeal in the summer of 2026.