Marine Le Pen's Conviction Sparks Political Turmoil

Marine Le Pen, leader of France's far-right National Rally (RN), has been found guilty of embezzling EU parliamentary funds. The court's decision includes a five-year ban from public office and a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended. This ruling has caused significant political upheaval and debate, both within France and internationally.

Reactions have been swift and polarized. Jordan Bardella, chairman of the RN, called the verdict an 'execution of French democracy' and announced plans for peaceful protests. International figures such as Donald Trump and Elon Musk have expressed support for Le Pen, viewing the decision as politically motivated.

Le Pen plans to appeal, aiming to overturn the ban before the 2027 presidential election. The French public remains divided, with polls showing mixed opinions on the court's ruling. Meanwhile, the RN is preparing for potential leadership changes, with Bardella and others poised to step up in case Le Pen cannot run.

The charges stem from a 'system' of embezzlement between 2004 and 2016, causing a €4.8 million loss to European funds. Le Pen allegedly used these funds to pay her father's bodyguard as a parliamentary assistant. The EU's anti-fraud agency, OLAF, uncovered the scheme, highlighting discrepancies in salary payments.

A French appeals court has agreed to review the case by 2026, potentially allowing Le Pen to contest the upcoming election. This legal battle underscores broader tensions within French politics, as the country grapples with the implications of the verdict on its democratic processes.