Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s far-right National Rally party, was convicted on Monday morning of embezzlement in a high-profile case involving the misuse of European Parliament funds. A French court found Le Pen and several party officials guilty of diverting over €4 million intended for EU parliamentary aides to pay party staff between 2004 and 2016.
The court sentenced Le Pen to four years in prison—two of which are suspended—fined her €100,000, and imposed a five-year ban from holding public office. This ruling, unless overturned on appeal, disqualifies her from running in the 2027 presidential election, a significant blow to her political future.
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“Marine Le Pen has been at the heart of this illegal system since 2009,” the court’s magistrates wrote in the verdict. “The events have seriously and lastingly undermined the rules of democracy. This is an enrichment of the party, a circumvention of the rules governing political party financing, and therefore a circumvention of democracy.”
Le Pen has denied the charges, calling them politically motivated, and appeared visibly shaken upon leaving the courtroom. The verdict has sent shockwaves through French politics, with analysts describing it as a pivotal moment for the far-right movement. Her protégé, Jordan Bardella, is now seen as the likely successor and potential presidential candidate.
International reactions have been swift, with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expressing support for Le Pen, while critics argue the ruling underscores growing concerns over democratic integrity and accountability in politics.
The case, which also saw eight other National Rally members convicted—some facing potential prison terms up to 10 years—marks a serious legal and reputational setback for the party as it navigates a post-Le Pen future.
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