A French court has found Marine Le Pen guilty of embezzlement, although the exact penalty and its potential impact on her political future remain unclear. France 24 reports that the court has not yet specified the fine or sentence.
Le Pen’s greatest concern lies in the possibility that the court could declare her ineligible to run for office “immediately,” even if she decides to appeal. This ruling could prevent her from running for president in 2027, a scenario she has described as a “political death.”
On Friday, the Constitutional Council issued a ruling regarding the immediate imposition of punishment, and the case is being read with a large number of co-defendants, around 24, which could cause the verdict reading to last several hours.
Le Pen was present in court during the proceedings.
