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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, leader of National Rally, at the National Assembly in Paris, France, on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. Francois Bayrou, France’s prime minister, is holding talks with party leaders this week in an effort to form a government that can push a budget through a divided Parliament. Photographer: Nathan Laine/Bloomberg
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Overview

  • 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.