Marine Le Pen, the leader of France’s far-right National Rally (Rassemblement National – RN), has been found guilty of misusing European Union funds, according to Reuters and French media. The verdict, delivered on Monday, marks a historic moment in French politics and could significantly impact her chances of running in the 2027 presidential election.
What Does This Ruling Mean for Le Pen?
Le Pen, along with eight other members of her party who served as Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), was convicted of diverting EU funds intended for parliamentary assistants. The prosecution accused them of using these funds—amounting to nearly €3 million ($3.3 million)—to pay party staff in France instead of European parliamentary work.
While the exact sentence has yet to be announced, the potential consequences are severe. Le Pen could face:
- A €300,000 ($325,000) fine
- A prison sentence
- A five-year ban from public office
If enforced immediately, the ban would prevent her from running for president in 2027, a race where she is currently a frontrunner in polls.
A Political Earthquake for the Far-Right
This ruling has sent shockwaves through France’s right-wing political landscape. National Rally has been gaining momentum in recent years, particularly after its strong performance in last summer’s snap parliamentary elections. The party secured a major victory in the first round before being outmaneuvered by a left-wing alliance in the second round.
Le Pen and her party have strongly denied the charges, calling the trial a politically motivated attack. In a statement ahead of the verdict, Le Pen expressed confidence that the judges would be fair, but acknowledged the risks her party faced.
“I’m waiting for the decision,” she told La Tribune Dimanche. “I read here and there that we’re nervous. Personally, I’m not, but I understand that people might be: with provisional execution, the judges have the power of life or death over our movement. But I don’t think they’ll go that far.”
The Road Ahead: Will Le Pen Appeal?
Legal experts expect Le Pen to appeal the conviction. French prosecutors have requested that her five-year public office ban be immediately enforced, a move that would sideline her from the 2027 election even before any appeal process is completed. However, the final decision on enforcement rests with the judges, who may choose to uphold, modify, or suspend the ban.
Meanwhile, twelve other individuals—who worked as assistants to the convicted MEPs—were also found guilty of receiving stolen funds. The court estimated the total damage to the European Parliament at €2.9 million ($3.2 million).
France’s Political Future in the Balance
Le Pen’s legal troubles add another layer of uncertainty to France’s already volatile political scene. The country has faced ongoing turmoil since President Emmanuel Macron’s surprise decision to call a snap election last year. That election resulted in a fragmented parliament, leading to a period of instability before the formation of a centrist government under François Bayrou.
As the verdict looms over France’s far-right movement, the big question remains: Will Le Pen manage to overturn the ruling, or is this the end of her presidential ambitions?
Stay updated on this developing story and what it means for France’s future leadership.
