French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has been sentenced to a 15-month ban from holding public office by a French appeals court following her conviction in a case involving the misuse of European Parliament funds.
The court also imposed a one-year custodial sentence to be served under electronic monitoring with an ankle tag, while upholding her conviction for the embezzlement of European Union funds intended for parliamentary assistants.
The ruling has intensified uncertainty over Le Pen’s political future ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election. Although the reduced ban could expire before the election, the requirement to serve her sentence under electronic monitoring may complicate any potential campaign.
Le Pen has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the funds were used appropriately and insisting the case is politically motivated. She is expected to continue pursuing legal options available under French law.
The case stems from allegations that European Parliament funds allocated for parliamentary assistants were diverted to finance activities of her National Rally party in France rather than official parliamentary work.
The appeals court’s decision has sparked renewed debate within French political circles, with supporters describing the judgment as unfair while critics argue it reinforces accountability for public officials.
Le Pen remains one of France’s most influential opposition figures, and the ruling is expected to have significant implications for the country’s political landscape as preparations for the 2027 presidential election continue.
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