Le Pen to Run for President, Vows to Appeal Embezzlement Conviction to Highest Court

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen announced she will run for president in the next election. She also said she will appeal her embezzlement conviction to France’s highest court. Le Pen was found guilty of misusing European Union funds. The case involves paying party staff with money meant for EU parliamentary assistants. Her appeal aims to overturn the ruling before the election campaign begins. The announcement keeps her in the race, pending the court’s decision.