French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has been barred from running for public office with immediate effect after a court found her guilty of misappropriating European Union funds. The court ruled that Le Pen and her National Rally party (RN) misused €3 million ($3.25 million) in European Parliament funds meant for parliamentary assistants.
Le Pen expressed defiance, stating she would “no way” retire from politics despite being banned for five years. She plans to appeal the verdict, claiming innocence. The ban will last for five years and she has been handed a four-year prison term with two years suspended.
The ruling has sparked mixed reactions at home and abroad. US President Donald Trump compared Le Pen’s conviction to his own legal battles, calling it a “very big deal.” Russia and Hungary have also criticized the court’s decision, labeling it an attack on democracy.
France’s Prime Minister Francois Bayrou expressed concern over courts deciding who can run for office. RN president Jordan Bardella is expected to be Le Pen’s replacement at the 2027 presidential election but may struggle to match her electoral appeal.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/france-le-pen-defiant-after-being-barred-from-office/a-72091790