French Court Barred Marine Le Pen from Office Over Embezzlement/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Marine Le Pen has been banned from seeking public office for five years following a conviction for embezzlement. The decision may end her chances of running in the 2027 French presidential election. A French court found her and several party members guilty of misusing EU funds.
Marine Le Pen Barred from Office: Quick Looks
- Marine Le Pen convicted of embezzling EU parliamentary funds.
- Barred from holding public office for five years, effective immediately.
- Verdict impacts Le Pen’s chances in the 2027 presidential race.
- Court found a systematic misuse of European funds by her party.
- Verdict includes eight other former MEPs and 12 staff members.
- Le Pen’s party allegedly used EU money for political purposes.
- Successor Jordan Bardella now seen as likely 2027 candidate.
- Le Pen has denied wrongdoing and plans to appeal.
Deep Look: Marine Le Pen Barred from French Public Office Over Embezzlement
A French court delivered a major blow to far-right political leader Marine Le Pen on Monday, convicting her of embezzlement and immediately barring her from holding public office for five years. The ruling throws into doubt her long-anticipated 2027 presidential campaign and reshapes the landscape of French politics.
The decision stems from long-standing accusations that Le Pen and her party, the National Rally—formerly known as the National Front—used European Parliament funds meant for official aides to instead pay party staff and cover political expenses. The embezzlement is said to have occurred between 2004 and 2016, involving the diversion of EU money to support party operations in France.
Courtroom Reaction and Legal Consequences
Le Pen, 56, was not present in court when the judge officially read the five-year ineligibility sentence. She had exited earlier, after the judge initially revealed that a ban from public office was forthcoming but did not immediately state its duration. During the hearing, Le Pen showed visible signs of frustration and disbelief. She nodded in disagreement and whispered, “Incredible,” as the judge elaborated on how her party had created a structure to siphon EU money.
The ruling also included guilty verdicts for eight other current or former Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) affiliated with Le Pen’s party. Additionally, twelve former parliamentary aides were convicted for their roles in the misuse of funds.
While the court concluded that neither Le Pen nor her colleagues enriched themselves personally, the judge emphasized that the system they orchestrated constituted a “democratic bypass.” According to the verdict, the operation misled both the European Parliament and French voters.
Potential End of a Presidential Path
Le Pen’s political future now hangs in the balance. Though she retains the right to appeal the ruling, French law does not pause the five-year ban during the appeals process. That timeline effectively bars her from running in the next presidential election, scheduled for 2027. During her 2024 trial, Le Pen warned that such a disqualification would represent a “political death” and deprive millions of voters of their preferred candidate.
Prosecutors had sought a two-year prison sentence and a five-year ban from public office. While Le Pen avoided imprisonment, the ineligibility period deals a critical blow to her ambitions.
Le Pen came in second place to President Emmanuel Macron in both the 2017 and 2022 elections and has since maintained significant national support. Her party has grown more mainstream in recent years, posing a strong challenge to the centrist government and positioning her as a frontrunner for 2027.
Jordan Bardella Poised as Party Successor
With Le Pen sidelined, the National Rally will likely pivot toward Jordan Bardella, her 29-year-old protégé who took over party leadership in 2021. Bardella has gained popularity among younger voters and could inherit Le Pen’s voter base if she is unable to compete in 2027.
Le Pen has denied leading any scheme to misappropriate funds, arguing instead that European parliamentary aides should be allowed to conduct some political work, including activities that benefit their affiliated parties. She also contended that the charges against her were politically motivated and aimed solely at blocking her path to the presidency.
Misuse of Funds and Specific Allegations
Among the misused funds, the court found that some EU money went toward paying for Le Pen’s personal assistant and a longtime bodyguard—who previously served her father, party founder Jean-Marie Le Pen. These revelations further supported the prosecution’s argument that European taxpayer money was diverted from its intended purpose.
Despite the conviction, Le Pen continues to assert her innocence. She claimed during the trial that millions of voters would be unjustly silenced if she were barred from running for president. Nonetheless, Monday’s verdict marks a turning point for one of France’s most polarizing political figures.
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