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France’s Le Pen convicted of graft, barred from running for president in 2027

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, member of parliament of the Rassemblement National (National Rally – RN) party and her lawyer Rodolphe Bosselut walk on the day of the verdict of her trial alongside 24 other defendants (party officials and employees, former lawmakers and parliamentary assistants) and the RN party itself, over accusations of misappropriation of European Union funds, at the courthouse in Paris, France, March 31, 2025. REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq 

Marine Le Pen Convicted of Embezzlement and Banned from Public Office

Court Ruling and Sentence

On Monday, a French court convicted Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally (RN) party, of embezzlement, imposing a five-year ban from running for public office. The ruling, which includes a four-year prison sentence—two years suspended and two years to be served under home detention—along with a fine of 100,000 euros ($108,200), significantly impacts Le Pen’s political future.

The judgment prohibits her from contesting the 2027 French presidential election unless she succeeds in an appeal. While the prison sentence and fine will not take effect until all appeals are exhausted, the political ban is immediately enforceable under a “provisional execution” measure requested by prosecutors.

Reactions from Political Figures

The ruling has elicited strong reactions across the political spectrum. Jordan Bardella, RN party president and Le Pen’s close associate, described the decision as a threat to democracy, stating: “Today, it is not only Marine Le Pen who was unjustly convicted: it was French democracy that was killed.”

Conversely, centrist lawmaker Sacha Houlie defended the judiciary’s actions, emphasizing that the court was simply upholding the rule of law. “At what point do we think that a judge will not apply the law?” he questioned on social media platform X.

Legal and Political Implications

Le Pen has been a prominent political figure in France and has run for president three times. She previously stated that the 2027 election would be her final attempt to secure the presidency. However, given the recent ruling, her prospects now depend on the outcome of her appeal, a process that could take months or years.

Despite the conviction, Le Pen remains a member of the National Assembly and will retain her seat until the end of her term in 2029 unless early elections are called. The ruling is part of a broader enforcement of anti-corruption laws in France, which have led to an increase in immediate political bans since 2016.

Allegations and Court Findings

Le Pen, the RN party, and several of its members were found guilty of misappropriating over 4 million euros ($4.33 million) in European Parliament funds. The court determined that the party had diverted these funds to benefit its own operations rather than for legitimate parliamentary purposes. The RN was also ordered to pay a 2 million euro fine, with half of that amount suspended.

The prosecution did not accuse Le Pen and her associates of personally profiting from the funds but argued that they had improperly reallocated them to party activities. The court ruled that Le Pen played a central role in the scheme, with the presiding judge, Bénédicte de Perthuis, stating that the evidence showed “not administrative errors, but embezzlement within a system designed to reduce party costs.”

Impact on French Politics

The ruling is considered a significant event in French politics, with potential ramifications for the 2027 presidential race and the broader right-wing movement. Political analyst Arnaud Benedetti described the decision as a “seismic political event” likely to reshape the landscape, particularly on the right.

With Le Pen’s candidacy in question, Jordan Bardella is seen as a likely alternative to lead the RN into the 2027 election. While Bardella has gained popularity among younger voters, experts suggest that his ability to appeal to a broader electorate remains uncertain.

International Reactions

Far-right political figures across Europe have voiced support for Le Pen. Matteo Salvini, Italy’s deputy prime minister and leader of the far-right League party, expressed solidarity, declaring: “We will not be intimidated, we will not stop: full steam ahead, my friend!” Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán also publicly supported Le Pen, stating: “Je suis Marine!”

In contrast, some political opponents welcomed the ruling. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the left-wing France Unbowed party, emphasized his preference for defeating Le Pen through electoral means rather than judicial decisions.

The conviction and political ban of Marine Le Pen mark a pivotal moment in French politics, potentially altering the landscape of the 2027 presidential election. As legal proceedings continue, the future leadership of the RN and its electoral prospects remain uncertain. The case has also reignited debate over the role of the judiciary in political affairs, with supporters and critics offering differing perspectives on the implications of the ruling.

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