French Court Bars Marine Le Pen From 2027 Presidential Race Over Embezzlement Conviction

The French Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of far-right leader Marine Le Pen for embezzling millions of euros in European Union funds, effectively barring her from running in the 2027 presidential election. The court confirmed a three-year sentence, including one year of actual imprisonment to be served under electronic monitoring at home, two years suspended, and a hefty fine of 100,000 euros. The ruling also maintained a public office ban lasting over two years, which began in March 2025, preventing her candidacy in next year's election.

Presiding Judge Michelle Agi condemned Le Pen's actions as severe and ongoing over 11 years, spanning three parliamentary terms, despite repeated warnings from the European Parliament. The court found that Le Pen was directly involved in misappropriating 2.8 million euros intended solely for parliamentary assistants and staff, undermining democratic institutions and creating unfair political competition in France.

Le Pen appeared somber as the verdict was read, signaling a significant political setback for her and her party. Although she has a 10-day window to appeal to France's highest court, the Supreme Court of Appeals, such a process could take months and hinder her ability to campaign effectively. Le Pen has previously indicated she may not pursue further appeals.

This decision reshapes the French far-right political landscape, making the rise of her protégé Jordan Bardella as the party's presidential candidate increasingly likely. The ruling marks an unprecedented legal and political moment in Paris, ending Le Pen's immediate ambitions for the Élysée Palace.