On a day when an opinion poll suggested Marine Le Pen would win big in the next presidential election, a Paris judge delivered a stunning blow to her political career. The court ruled to ban Le Pen from running for office for five years, a decision that shocked not only her but also stirred concern among various political factions in France.
The ruling came after Le Pen and 23 members of her National Rally party were found guilty of embezzling taxpayer funds from the European Parliament. The judge imposed a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a hefty fine of €100,000. This sentence was particularly harsh given that Le Pen was preparing for her fourth presidential campaign, with recent polls showing her poised for a strong showing.
Le Pen’s supporters reacted angrily, claiming the judiciary was overstepping its bounds and likening France’s situation to that of Turkey, where political opponents face severe legal challenges. Even some of Le Pen’s political rivals expressed unease about the increasing role of judges in politics, with Prime Minister François Bayrou and others voicing their discomfort with the ruling.
Le Pen herself criticized the decision, suggesting it resembled tactics used by authoritarian regimes. She left the courtroom early, anticipating a verdict she described as a potential "political death sentence." Her party’s lawmaker claimed that judges were trying to undermine democracy by preventing the will of the people from being expressed.
The case centered around accusations that Le Pen and her associates misused European Parliament funds by paying staff who rarely worked, using taxpayer money to bolster her political ambitions. Most of her co-defendants received lighter sentences, but Le Pen faced the toughest penalties due to her prominent role.
Despite the ruling, Le Pen remains defiant. She appeared on a major news broadcast shortly after the verdict, assuring her followers that she would fight to maintain her political presence. There is still a possibility she could participate in the upcoming 2027 elections if her appeal is successful. However, political analysts suggest that the chances of overturning the conviction are slim.
In the meantime, discussions about a potential successor have begun within her party. Jordan Bardella, a young and popular figure, is seen as the natural choice to take over if Le Pen’s appeal fails. While he has gained respect among voters, some believe he lacks the experience to fill her shoes.
As the political landscape in France shifts, many are watching closely to see how this situation unfolds. The outcome of Le Pen’s appeal could not only determine her future but also influence the broader political dynamics in the country as it heads toward the next presidential election.