Marine Le Pen Banned from Elections After Embezzlement Conviction

Marine Le Pen, leader of France's far-right National Rally party, has been banned from running for public office after being found guilty of embezzlement involving European Union funds. The court's decision is effective immediately, though the exact duration of her ban is still to be determined, which could impact her eligibility for the 2027 presidential race. Le Pen and several party officials were convicted of misappropriating approximately £397,000 intended for EU parliamentary aides to pay party staff between 2004 and 2016. During the trial, which lasted nine weeks, Le Pen claimed the case was politically motivated, while prosecutors emphasized the undermining of democratic principles. Alongside Le Pen, her co-defendant, Catherine Griset, received a one-year suspended prison sentence and a two-year electoral ban. The possibility of an appeal remains, which could lead to another trial.