Marine Le Pen Convicted of Embezzlement and Disqualified from French Elections

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Marine Le Pen, leader of the far right in France, has been convicted of embezzlement, a crime that disqualifies her from competing in the 2027 presidential election. The ruling excludes her from the 2027 presidential race unless she manages to overturn it on appeal.

The Embezzlement Case

A Paris court convicted Le Pen for the use misappropriation of funds of the European Parliament between 2004 and 2016. Her party, the National Rally, diverted nearly $5 million in European funds for partisan expenses unrelated to EU activities. The court found that Le Pen played a "central role" in the scheme, using parliamentary assistants paid with EU funds for party tasks. She denied the allegations, arguing that there were no clear rules regarding the use of these assistants, but the court rejected her defense and dismissed her claims of political persecution.

The sentence includes four years in prison (two suspended), a €100,000 fine, and a five-year ban from holding public office. This decision eliminates her as a candidate in the upcoming elections, where she was leading in the polls with a 34-37% vote.

Reactions and Tensions

The ruling has generated controversy. Jordan BardellaLe Pen's protégé and a potential replacement in the presidential race, called the decision an attack on French democracy. Centrist lawmaker Sacha Houlié defended the ruling, questioning whether society should be outraged by the law's application.

A visibly frustrated Le Pen left the courtroom muttering and plans to appeal. However, the slow judicial process in France complicates her chances before 2027. She denied the accusations, arguing that the assistants were not directly employed by the European Parliament, so there were no clear rules regarding their use.

Political and Social Impact

Le Pen's disqualification could spark instability in France, where her party has the largest presence in the National Assembly. Although she retains her current seat, she would be unable to run if snap elections are called, a possible scenario given this year's budgetary tensions. Her absence in 2027 paves the way for Bardella, but could also spark protests among her supporters.

Le Pen has spent years transforming the National Rally, founded by her father, away from its racist and anti-Semitic roots. However, the party remains far-right, with a focus on stricter crime laws and tougher immigration policies. Despite the scandal, the National Rally continues to gain influence in French politics.

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Fountain: The New York Times