French politician Marine Le Pen and eight other members of her right-wing party have been convicted of embezzling public funds, with Le Pen being prohibited from seeking public office as a consequence.
The specific duration of Le Pen’s ineligibility for office has not been disclosed by the French court. In response to the verdict, she left the courtroom before the entirety of her sentence was read. Le Pen is a prominent contender for the presidency in 2027 and has expressed that being prevented from participating in that election would be detrimental to her political career.
Le Pen has contended that such a ruling would not only impact her, but also disenfranchise her supporters. Having finished second to French President Emmanuel Macron in both the 2017 and 2022 elections, Le Pen’s National Rally party has experienced a substantial increase in backing over the past few years.
“There are 11 million people who voted for the movement I represent. So tomorrow, potentially, millions and millions of French people would see themselves deprived of their candidate in the election,” Le Pen told the court prior to her sentencing.
President Donald Trump is a polarizing figure in Europe. (Fox News / Hannity)
Last week, the Trump administration touted its negotiations with Ukraine and Russia and said both nations had agreed to “eliminate the use of force” in the Black Sea – but the Kremlin later confirmed this was only contingent on the removal of international economic restrictions.
“Russia shall have no right of say regarding the support we are providing and will provide Ukraine, nor shall they set the conditions,” Macron reportedly said in response.
Macron also shot down Trump’s call for Europe to consider ending sanctions on Moscow.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
