France’s Court of Appeal in Paris on Tuesday began examining an appeal filed by Marine Le Pen, seeking to overturn a lower court ruling that last year found the leading figure of France’s nationalist right guilty of misappropriating European Union funds.
The lower court verdict banned Le Pen from running for public office for five years, a decision that could effectively block her from contesting the 2027 French presidential election, where she is currently regarded as one of the frontrunners.
Conviction Over €2.9 Million in EU Funds
Le Pen was convicted of misusing €2.9 million in European Parliament funds, which prosecutors said were used to pay parliamentary assistants who, in reality, worked for her political party rather than for EU legislative duties.
If the ruling is upheld, Le Pen would be automatically disqualified from the presidential race, significantly reshaping France’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 vote.
Defense Seeks Suspension of Immediate Enforcement
Her legal team is urging the Court of Appeal to at least lift the clause of “immediate enforcement”, which would allow Le Pen to register as a presidential candidate while awaiting a final ruling by a higher court.
The leader of the National Rally, Jordan Bardella, described the proceedings as “a blow to democracy”, while confirming that he will not run for president but instead seek the post of prime minister.
Decision Expected Later This Year
Hearings are scheduled to continue until February 12, but a final decision is not expected before the summer, a delay that remains crucial for Le Pen, who continues to deny all wrongdoing and insists the case is an attempt to eliminate her from the presidential race for a fourth time.
