The leader of the French extreme right Marine Le Pen arrives before a Paris court which should return a verdict in a case of embezzlement of funds which could shake up French policy and have the career of the far right leader derail, Monday, March 2025, the far -right leader.
Thibault Camus / AP
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Thibault Camus / AP
PARIS – In a decision that could reshape the political future of France, a French court sentenced the far right chief Marine Le Pen on Monday and prevented him from presenting himself to public functions for five years.
The decision effectively withdrew her from the 2027 presidential race, where she was considered a leading candidate.
Le Pen, who heads the National Rallye Party (RN), was also sentenced to four years in prison – two years suspended and two under house arrest – as well as a fine of € 100,000 ($ 108,000).
She was sentenced with 24 other co -fetches, including senior RN figures, in a case focused on allegations according to which they abused more than 4 million euros ($ 4.3 million) in European Parliament to cover the RN party spending between 2004 and 2016.
Le Pen’s lawyer said she would appeal, a process that could take months or even years. While an appeal would put his prison sentence and has the fine, his ban on the public service takes effect immediately.
Jordan Bardella, President of RN and Le Pen’s political protégé, quickly denounced The decision.
“Today, it is not only Marine Le Pen who was unjustly condemned: it was French democracy that has been executed,” he wrote on social networks.
With Le Pen sidelined, Bardella should intervene as a presidential candidate of the RN. While the 29 -year -old played a central role in expanding party support, questions remain on his experience and his ability to call on an electorate wide enough to win a national race.
Le Pen, 56, was a dominant force in French politics since succeeded his father Jean-Marie Le Pen as the leader of the RN party in 2012. She won a service to broaden the attraction of her party and bring him closer to the general political public.
A recent Sunday newspaper Survey, released last Saturday, noted It was in a strong position for 2027, questioning 37% in favorable scenarios – 10 points higher than its first round result in 2022.