"The French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was set to appear in court on Tuesday to appeal a previous ruling that barred her from standing for election for five years after defrauding the European Union. She was one of several individuals from the National Rally (RN) party who were found guilty of using EU parliamentary funds to pay for party staff. The three-time presidential candidate was sentenced to four years in prison, two of which were suspended, and fined 100,000 ($116,000)."
"The 57-year-old Le Pen is appealing the sentence in the hope of reopening her path to the presidential candidacy in 2027, considered her best chance of securing the top job. Current President Emmanuel Macron cannot, by law, run again. At the same time, a poll published in Le Monde on Sunday showed that 42% of French people agreed with "ideas defended by the RN," up from 29% in 2022."
Marine Le Pen is appealing a ruling that barred her from standing for election for five years after being found guilty of defrauding the European Union by using EU parliamentary funds to pay party staff. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a fine of €100,000. The appeal seeks to reopen her path to a 2027 presidential candidacy; a shortened sentence could restore eligibility. A decision is expected this summer. Polls show increased agreement with RN ideas, and Le Pen has nominated Jordan Bardella as a potential replacement candidate if she remains barred. Le Pen led efforts to soften the party's image after taking control from her father and previously reached the presidential run-off twice.
Read at www.dw.com
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