In an appeal related to the misuse of European Union funds, a Paris court has confirmed the ineligibility of Marine Le Pen for public office, although the court significantly reduced the duration of the ban. The order prohibits her from applying for any government post for 45 months, of which 30 months have been suspended. This was a reduction from the original five-year ban. Given that Le Pen has already served her 15-month period, she could theoretically run in the upcoming presidential election. However, if she chooses to campaign, she would have to do so while wearing an electronic ankle monitor-a condition she had previously rejected.
Separately, the court ruled that Le Pen must serve a three-year prison sentence, with two of those years suspended. This means she will be required to wear an electronic ankle monitor for one year, a requirement that is expected to complicate her political and logistical efforts during a presidential campaign.
The case stemmed from allegations that the National Rally (RN) received European Parliament funds between 2004 and 2016 for parliamentary assistants who were, in fact, working for the party. The court assessed the total financial damage caused by this misuse to be 2.9 million euros. Political observers anticipate Le Pen will issue a statement later in the day regarding whether she will enter the presidential race or step aside to allow Jordan Bardella, the RN chairman, to take the lead.
