Marine Le Pen, the leader of the National Unity (RN) and the lead candidate in the 2027 presidential election, faces serious legal consequences that could put her political future behind her. The prosecution demands an immediate five-year ban on public office – even if Le Pen decides to appeal.
Le Pen defines the prosecution's actions as an "unprecedented attack" on her candidacy, and the punishment itself, if judged, as "totally disproportionate" compared to akin cases. The case concerns the alleged embezzlement of more than EUR 3 million from the European Union's funds, which, according to the prosecution, were to be spent on paying for organization workers in France. Le Pen and her organization deny the charges.
Since the introduction of the Sapin II Anti-corruption Act in 2016, bans on public functions have become increasingly frequent towards convicted politicians. Lawyers indicate that courts have no opposition to reaching for this measure, which for Le Pen may be a informing signal.
However, what truly stirred the French political scene is the usage of so-called. Exécution provisoire – i.e. the execution of the judgement immediately, before the appeal is settled. specified practice, although lawful, is different in the case of crimes committed for the first time and without immediate threat to public policy.
Prosecutors Louise Neyton and Nicolas Barrett argue that Le Pen and her co-defendants have stalled and obstructed the investigation for years. According to them, the immediate ban on public functions is intended to prevent any repetition of abuse.
Although many Le Pen allies talk about the abuse of power by the judiciary, critical voices are besides heard from the centre of the political scene. Prime Minister François Bayrou and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin expressed their concern. Meanwhile, prosecutors and 1 of the investigating judges received death threats – another signal of tensions at the interface between politics and the judiciary, which are intensifying not only in France but besides worldwide.
The Le Pen case will be settled on March 31. In the background, there is another crucial procedure – the French Constitutional Court examines the legality of immediate bans on public functions. The decision is due by April 3. If the Court considers specified action unconstitutional, Le Pen may avoid a ban. Otherwise, her political future will depend on whether she can overturn the conviction before 2027.
