Marine Le Pen Faces Verdict That Could Bar 2027 Presidential Bid

The French court's decision on March 31 will determine whether Le Pen is banned from public office, as prosecutors push for an immediate five-year disqualification.

• Marine Le Pen is accused of embezzling over €3 million in European Parliament funds by misusing allowances intended for parliamentary assistants.
• Prosecutors have requested a five-year ban on Le Pen holding public office, which would take effect immediately, jeopardizing her 2027 presidential candidacy.
• The French Constitutional Council is set to rule on the legality of immediate bans for elected officials, a decision that could influence the case's outcome.
• Le Pen denies the charges, claiming the trial is politically motivated to prevent her from running for president, while her party has not finalized contingency plans if she is barred.
• Jordan Bardella, the 29-year-old National Rally president, is positioned as a potential backup candidate but faces questions about his readiness for a presidential race.

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