In a significant development in French and European politics, Marine Le Pen, the prominent far-right leader, has been handed a five-year prohibition from holding public office. The court named embezzlement of European Union funds as the reason behind this ruling. This decision effectively thwarts her potential candidacy in the upcoming French presidential election, a setback for a leader who was twice a serious contender against President Emmanuel Macron.
The ruling delivers a severe blow to the career of the 56-year-old politician, who has been at the forefront of efforts to soften the image of her party and extend its appeal. Marine Le Pen, daughter of the late far-right figure Jean-Marie Le Pen, faces two years under house arrest with an electronic anklet and a two-year suspended jail term, alongside the immediate implementation of her ineligibility to run for public office. Despite her intentions to appeal the verdict, Le Pen’s prospects of participating in the 2027 presidential race grow bleaker as the legal processes could extend beyond the election timeline.
The case centers around allegations that Le Pen and National Rally officials misused funds intended for EU parliamentary aides to finance party employees between 2004 and 2016, a violation against the bloc’s financial regulations. Previously called the National Front, the party is alleged to have created a system to divert these funds. Although denying the allegations, Le Pen has also been ordered to pay a fine of 100,000 euros.
This legal battle occurs amidst a backdrop of soaring ratings in opinion polls for Le Pen, who has tirelessly sought to mainstream her party over the last decade since taking over leadership. By renaming the party and distancing it from her father and its controversial past, Le Pen repositioned the movement, shedding its association with racism and antisemitism. Her efforts have transformed its standing in French politics, culminating in it becoming the dominant group in the lower house of Parliament.
Since 2011, Le Pen has been a powerful figure within the party, initially leading it before Jordan Bardella took the reins as president in 2021, allowing her to concentrate on her presidential ambitions. Le Pen retains her seat in Parliament despite the legal ruling restricting her political activities. Bardella’s profile has risen significantly, particularly among young voters, yet questions remain about his ability to gain the same level of electoral support as Le Pen.
Financially, the National Rally has been penalized in the aftermath of the ruling, with a 2 million euro fine, half of which is contingent upon any future infractions. The party must also forfeit an additional million euros seized during investigations. Although the precise financial impact remains uncertain, an earlier audit suggested a deficit, countered by electoral successes that replenished party coffers thanks to France’s state system of political funding based on election performance.