French far-right leader Marine Le Pen is facing a crucial moment on Monday as a judge rules on whether she should be banned from running in the 2027 presidential election due to allegations that her party misused EU parliamentary funds. If found guilty, Le Pen could face up to five years of ineligibility and a €300,000 fine. The outcome has significant implications for French politics, with many commentators warning of grave consequences for democracy.
Le Pen’s party, the National Rally (RN), is accused of using EU funds to pay party salaries, sparking concerns over potential corruption and undermining democratic processes. If convicted, Le Pen would be barred from running in 2027, a move that could have far-reaching effects on French politics.
The decision has been met with concern from commentators and analysts, who argue that it could weaken the minority government of Prime Minister François Bayrou and create instability. Some speculate that Jordan Bardella, the party’s 29-year-old president, might step in to replace Le Pen if she is barred from running.
Ultimately, the outcome will depend on the verdict of the three judges, who will decide whether Le Pen should be allowed to run in the next presidential election. If found guilty, Le Pen could face a significant setback, but it remains unclear how this would affect her party’s prospects in 2027.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn91lzrrx2qo