Marine Le Pen Convicted of Embezzlement, Barred from 2027 Election

The French far-right leader faces a five-year political ban and a prison sentence, with international figures criticizing the ruling as politically motivated.

Marine Le Pen has been convicted of embezzling nearly $5 million in EU funds, sentenced to four years in prison (two suspended), and fined €100,000.
The court imposed an immediate five-year ban on Le Pen running for public office, disqualifying her from the 2027 presidential election.
Le Pen plans to appeal the ruling, with a decision expected by mid-2026, but the ban remains in effect while the appeal is pending.
Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and other international figures have criticized the ruling, framing it as politically motivated 'lawfare' against a leading opposition figure.
French President Emmanuel Macron defended the judiciary's independence, while the lead judge in the case is under police protection following death threats.