Marine Le Pen. Photo: EPA/UPG
The leader of the French far-right National Rally party, Marine Le Pen, may lose her chance to run for president in 2027 due to a possible court ban on holding public office. A ruling by the French Constitutional Court paves the way for her removal if she is found guilty in a case of embezzlement of EU funds.
On Friday, the court ruled that politicians can be immediately disqualified after a conviction, even if they appeal. This decision could be critical for Le Pen, as the verdict in her case is expected on Monday.
The case concerns the use of European Parliament funds to pay party employees in France. Prosecutors are demanding that Le Pen be sentenced to five years in prison and immediately banned from holding public office. She called the case a “political hunt” against her.
In case of conviction, Le Pen’s party may be left without an obvious candidate in the 2027 elections, which opens the way for changes in French politics.
