Le Pen Guilty, But Still Free to Run for President in 2027

Marine Le Pen, the leader of France’s far-right National Rally party, was found guilty of embezzlement by a Paris court on Monday. However, the ruling allows her to run in the 2027 presidential election. The verdict upholds a previous conviction for misusing European Union funds. The court decided not to impose a ban that would have prevented her from holding public office. This means Le Pen remains a candidate for France’s highest office. FRANCE 24’s Catherine Norris-Trent reports from the courthouse on the behind-the-scenes drama of the decision. The case has drawn intense political attention, as Le Pen is a major contender for the presidency.