Marine Le Pen's presidential bid at stake as former far-right leader's trial opens

"From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging."

"France's former far-right leader, Marine Le Pen, appeared in court on Tuesday to appeal an embezzlement conviction, a case whose outcome could significantly impact her 2027 presidential ambitions. The 57-year-old is challenging a March ruling that found her guilty of misusing European Parliament funds. That verdict imposed a five-year ban from elected office, two years of house arrest with an electronic tag, an additional two-year suspended sentence, and a 100,000"

"Ms Le Pen remained silent upon her arrival at the courthouse. As the trial began, she stood quietly before the three-judge panel while the court president read out the reasons for the proceedings. The courtroom was reportedly packed with dozens of journalists and members of the public. I hope I'll be able to convince the judges of my innocence, Le Pen told reporters on Monday. It's a new court with new judges. The case will be reset, so to speak."

The Independent reports on a range of issues from reproductive rights and climate change to Big Tech, investigating topics like the financials of Elon Musk's pro‑Trump PAC and producing documentaries such as 'The A Word' that highlight American women fighting for reproductive rights. The outlet forgoes paywalls and solicits donations to fund reporters on the ground who can speak to both sides of developing stories. France’s former far‑right leader Marine Le Pen appeared in court to appeal an embezzlement conviction that could hinder her 2027 presidential ambitions. She challenges a March ruling that found her guilty of misusing European Parliament funds and faces bans, house arrest, suspended sentences and fines.

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