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A Long-Awaited Verdict for Marine Le Pen Could Reshape France’s Politics
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Marine Le Pen faces a French court ruling on Tuesday regarding her appeal against a conviction for embezzlement related to misuse of European Parliament funds, which currently bars her from running for public office for five years.
- The court's decision is seen as pivotal for the 2027 French presidential election, the future of the far-right National Rally party, and the broader stability of French democracy.
- If her conviction is overturned, Le Pen, 57, is expected to make her fourth presidential run, potentially strengthening her political influence.
- Should the conviction be upheld, Le Pen will likely withdraw, allowing Jordan Bardella, the 30-year-old party president and her protégé, to lead the National Rally in the upcoming election.
- The National Rally, originally founded as the National Front by Le Pen’s father Jean-Marie Le Pen in 1972, has been a dominant force in far-right French politics for nearly fifty years.
