Marine Le Pen Barred from Office for Five Years Following Embezzlement Conviction

Marine Le Pen, leader of the French National Rally Party, has been banned from running for office for five years following her conviction for embezzlement of European Union funds. President Donald Trump remarked that this ruling is a 'very big deal,' drawing parallels to his own legal challenges in the U.S. Le Pen, who was viewed as a frontrunner for the 2027 presidential election, plans to appeal the ruling, claiming it is politically motivated. Despite the conviction, she retains her parliamentary seat until her term ends. The conviction has sparked intense reactions in France and among right-wing European allies, who criticize the decision. Additionally, the U.S. State Department expressed concerns about the implications of excluding candidates from the political process.