The Paris Court of Appeal has begun hearing the case of Marine Le Pen, leader of France's far-right party, following a lower court's five-year election ban for embezzling European Union funds. The RN party has urged the justice system not to obstruct democracy, while political analysts watch closely for one of four verdict outcomes that could change the course of French election history.
The Court of Appeal in Paris has started a highly significant trial concerning the political future of 57-year-old Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally (RN) party. The appeal challenges the original ruling that sentenced her to four years in prison, with two years suspended, fined 100,000 euros, and most critically, imposed an immediate five-year ban on her running for elected office.
If the ban remains in effect, Le Pen will be barred from running for president in 2027, despite currently being the leading contender. She continues to assert her innocence, stating, "I have not committed any wrongdoing whatsoever."
The case stems from allegations that Le Pen and over 20 other party leaders misused European Parliament funds by employing 'assistants' who did not actually work for the Parliament but instead worked for the RN party in France. The lower court described her as the 'heart of the system' that enabled the embezzlement of more than 2.9 million euros (about 100 million baht).
Jordan Bardella, RN party chairman and a key ally of Le Pen, said disqualifying a candidate supported by many French citizens is "deeply troubling for democracy." He affirmed he would not run for president against Le Pen, aiming instead for the prime ministership if their party wins the election.
The trial will continue until 12 February, with a verdict expected in summer 2026. Possible outcomes include acquittal, allowing Le Pen to run for president in 2027 without issue; confirmation of guilt but immediate lifting of the ban, enabling her to run while appealing to the Supreme Court; reduction of the ban period to permit registration by March 2027; or upholding the original ban, effectively ending her presidential prospects nearly 100%.
Currently, 11 other party members have also appealed the case, while 12 others—including Le Pen’s sister—have accepted the original sentence and chosen not to appeal.
,BBC