French court to decide Marine Le Pen's political future in embezzlement appeal

The Paris Court of Appeal is set to deliver its verdict on Tuesday regarding the conviction of Marine Le Pen for the embezzlement of European Parliament funds. Le Pen, a leader of the National Rally party and a three-time presidential candidate, faces a potential five-year ban from holding public office. The case concerns allegations that between 2004 and 2016, approximately 1.4 million to 4.5 million euros in EU funds were misused to pay staff working on domestic party activities rather than parliamentary duties. While one source indicates the embezzlement involved 1.4 million euros, another reports the figure at 4.5 million euros. The verdict, scheduled for 13:30 local time, is considered critical for the 2027 French presidential election, where Le Pen currently leads in polling. If the conviction is upheld, she could be barred from running, potentially clearing the path for her ally Jordan Bardella. The first round of the next presidential election is scheduled for April 18, 2027, followed by a second round on May 2.