Le Pen’s EU funds appeal could decide her 2027 bid
Marine Le Pen opened a fresh appeal trial over the embezzlement of European Parliament funds, a case that will determine whether she can run in the 2027 presidential election. After a 2024 conviction that included a five-year ban and a four-year prison sentence (two suspended) plus a €100,000 fine for siphoning about €4.8 million to pay French party workers, a verdict is due by summer; the outcome could keep her off the ballot or clear a path for Jordan Bardella if she is barred. The five-year ban began in March 2025, and a reduced one- or two-year ban on appeal could end by March 2027, potentially permitting a 2027 run.
