French far-right leader Marine Le Pen Barred from Public Office for Five Years in Embezzlement Case

A French court has barred Marine Le Pen from seeking public office for five years, delivering a significant blow to the far-right leader’s prospects for the 2027 presidential election. The ruling, which took effect immediately, stems from embezzlement charges related to the misuse of European Parliament funds.

Le Pen, who can appeal the verdict, left the Paris courthouse without addressing reporters. However, an appeal would not suspend her ineligibility, effectively removing her from the upcoming presidential race.

During the proceedings, Le Pen remained composed but showed visible signs of frustration as the judge outlined the verdict, which found that her party had illegally used European Parliament funds for its own benefit. At one point, she was heard whispering “Incredible” in apparent disbelief.

The court also handed down guilty verdicts to eight other current or former members of her party, all of whom previously served as European Parliament lawmakers. In addition, 12 parliamentary aides were convicted for their involvement. The judge described the case as a “democratic bypass” that deceived both the European Parliament and voters, emphasizing that while Le Pen and her co-defendants did not personally enrich themselves, they had orchestrated a system to divert EU funds to benefit their party.

Le Pen, along with 24 other officials from the National Rally party—formerly the National Front—was accused of misusing funds allocated for parliamentary aides between 2004 and 2016. These funds were allegedly used to pay party staff, including Le Pen’s personal assistant and bodyguard. Throughout the trial, Le Pen and her co-defendants denied any wrongdoing.

Having been the runner-up in both the 2017 and 2022 presidential elections against Emmanuel Macron, Le Pen’s growing electoral support made her a formidable contender for 2027. During the nine-week trial, she argued that her ineligibility would deprive millions of French voters of their candidate, calling the ruling a form of political suppression.