French far-right leader Marine Le Pen and eight MEPs have been convicted of embezzling European Union funds, in what has cast uncertainty over Le Pen’s political career just two years before the 2027 presidential election.
The ruling, handed down by a French court, found that Le Pen and her party had misused millions in EU funds meant for parliamentary assistants between 2004 and 2016.
The court has barred Le Pen from running for public office, though it remains unclear how long the ban will last and whether it takes immediate effect.
Le Pen, who could be seen shaking her head throughout the proceedings, left the courtroom before her sentence was announced.
The verdict threatens to upend the political landscape in France, where Le Pen has been a dominant figure for nearly two decades.
The verdict: court finds evidence of systematic misuse of EU funds
The case revolves around allegations that Le Pen and other members of the European Parliament from her party, now called the National Rally (RN), improperly diverted EU funds.
The investigation, which lasted several years, revealed that at least 40 contracts were fraudulent, with the funds used to cover party expenses rather than official parliamentary work.
According to Reuters, Judge Bénédicte de Perthuis, who delivered the verdict, stated, “It was established that all these people were actually working for the party, that their (EU) lawmaker had not given them any tasks.”
The investigations also showed that these were not administrative errors … but embezzlement within the framework of a system put in place to reduce the party’s costs.
The misused funds totalled over €4.6 million, with Le Pen personally accused of being responsible for €3 million in fraudulent payments.
If upheld on appeal, she could face up to 10 years in prison and a political ban lasting at least five years.
Le Pen, who was present in court, reacted with visible frustration as the judge delivered the ruling.
She has maintained her innocence, calling the case a politically motivated attack designed to derail her presidential ambitions.
Legal battle could shape 2027 election
Le Pen has vowed to appeal the ruling, which would delay any final decision and potentially push a retrial into 2026—just months before the presidential race.
French prosecutors had initially sought an immediate five-year ban from public office, which could prevent her from running in 2027 if upheld.
A prolonged legal battle could disrupt her party’s momentum as it seeks to capitalize on growing support for nationalist policies in France.
The National Rally, formerly known as the National Front, has worked to shed its extremist image in recent years, with Le Pen positioning herself as a mainstream alternative to President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist government.
Some political analysts compare Le Pen’s situation to that of former US President Donald Trump, who has framed his legal troubles as a political witch hunt.
Le Pen’s party has echoed similar rhetoric, claiming judicial overreach and accusing the French courts of trying to sideline a major political force.
If not Le Pen, then who?
Should Le Pen be disqualified from running in 2027, the National Rally may be forced to rely on its young president, Jordan Bardella, as a replacement candidate.
Bardella, 29, has gained prominence within the party but lacks Le Pen’s established national appeal.
While an acquittal would strengthen Le Pen’s claim to political legitimacy, a final conviction could reshape France’s political right.
Some of Le Pen’s rivals, including Prime Minister François Bayrou, have expressed concerns over courts effectively determining electoral outcomes.
With the case still unfolding, the next few months will be crucial in determining whether Le Pen remains a contender or if France’s far-right must find a new standard-bearer.
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