Marine Le Pen Convicted of Embezzlement, Barred from Running in 2027 Presidential Election
French Far-Right Leader Convicted of Embezzlement
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was convicted of embezzlement on Monday and handed an immediate five-year ban from public office, a sentence that will bar her from running in the 2027 presidential race unless she successfully appeals beforehand. The ruling marks a catastrophic setback for Le Pen, the National Rally (RN) party chief and a front-runner in opinion polls on the 2027 contest.
The Allegations
Le Pen, the RN and two dozen party figures were accused of diverting more than 4 million euros ($4.33 million) of European Parliament funds to pay France-based staff. They had argued the money was used legitimately and that the allegations had defined too narrowly what a parliamentary assistant does.
The Verdict
Judge Benedicte de Perthuis said Le Pen had been “at the heart” of the scheme.
The Impact on French Politics
Le Pen’s removal from the race is likely to intensify a debate in France over how judges police politics.
Le Pen’s Political Image
Since her first defeat to Macron in 2017, Le Pen has patiently worked on softening her image, tacking her party towards the political mainstream and striving to appear as a leader-in-waiting rather than a radical anti-system opponent.
The Consequences for Le Pen and the RN
The judges also gave Le Pen a four-year prison sentence- of which two years are a suspended sentence – and a 100,000 euro fine. She is almost certain to appeal, and neither of those penalties would be applied until her appeals are exhausted. But her five-year ineligibility sentence kicks in immediately, via a so-called “provisional execution” measure requested by prosecutors, and will only be lifted if any appeal is upheld before the election. She retains her parliamentary seat until her mandate ends.
The Future of the RN
Appeals in France can take months or even years. RN President Jordan Bardella, Le Pen’s 29-year-old right-hand man, now looks set to become the party’s de facto candidate for the 2027 election. While he has helped expand the RN’s appeal among younger voters, experts say it’s unclear whether he has the experience to win over the broader electorate the RN needs to secure victory in 2027.
Conclusion
The conviction of Marine Le Pen and the subsequent ban from public office marks a significant turning point in French politics. The consequences of this ruling will be far-reaching, with the potential to reshape the political landscape in the run-up to the 2027 presidential election.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of this ruling in French politics?
A: The conviction of Marine Le Pen and the subsequent ban from public office marks a significant turning point in French politics, with the potential to reshape the political landscape in the run-up to the 2027 presidential election.
Q: What are the consequences for Le Pen and the RN?
A: Le Pen is almost certain to appeal, and neither of the penalties imposed on her (four-year prison sentence and 100,000 euro fine) would be applied until her appeals are exhausted. However, her five-year ineligibility sentence kicks in immediately, via a so-called “provisional execution” measure requested by prosecutors, and will only be lifted if any appeal is upheld before the election. She retains her parliamentary seat until her mandate ends.