French court could shatter Le Pen’s presidential ambitions with ruling on public office ban

France is holding its breath ahead of a crucial court decision that could derail Marine Le Pen’s path to the presidency. The far-right National Rally leader is appealing against a conviction for misusing European Union funds, with the case turning on whether a proposed ban from public office will be upheld or reduced.

The stakes could hardly be higher for Le Pen’s political future. If the court reduces or removes the ban on holding public office, she would be free to stand in the 2027 presidential election, where polling suggests she has a genuine chance of victory. However, if the full restrictions are imposed, her presidential ambitions could be severely damaged.

Le Pen’s legal team made an emotional plea to the judges on Tuesday, with her lawyer telling the court: “She is placing her life’s work in your hands.” The remarks underscored the personal significance of the ruling for the 56-year-old politician, who has made a comeback bid after her defeat in the 2022 presidential race.

In a defiant message to the court, Le Pen hinted she would not run for president if significant restrictions were imposed on her activities. “I will not be dependent on a judge’s decision to go to the market or attend an election rally,” she declared, suggesting that a partial ban could prove as damaging to her political standing as a complete prohibition.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.