Le Pen's Presidential Bid Faces Court Test

France's far-right leader Marine Le Pen appeared in a Paris court Tuesday to appeal a conviction for embezzling European Union funds. The final ruling could decide if she can run for president in 2027. Le Pen was convicted in 2023. She denies wrongdoing and says the case is political. Her legal team is now shifting its argument. They will no longer contest the facts but will claim the charges themselves are invalid. If the appeal fails and a ban from office is upheld, party president Jordan Bardella is the expected successor. The 28-year-old Bardella's popularity has grown, especially with young voters. The court's decision is months away. The outcome will directly shape the next French presidential election.