The Court of Appeal in Paris upheld the earlier conviction concerning the unlawful use of European funds meant for staff members of the European Parliament. However, the imposed sentence was adjusted, resulting in different consequences for her political future compared to the initial ruling.
The leader of the French Front National shortly after the ruling announced that she will not withdraw her candidacy. According to opinion polls, the far right could obtain the most votes next year; President Macron is not eligible for re-election in the upcoming elections.
Electronic Ankle Bracelet
According to Marine Le Pen, filing a new appeal with the French Court of Cassation provides the opportunity to continue her election campaign without having to wear an electronic ankle bracelet for the time being. She says she will use all legal options to challenge her conviction and maintains her innocence.
Promotion
The case centers on European subsidy funds that, according to the court, were not used for their intended purpose. Besides Le Pen, other parties involved have also been convicted. Her party was also fined. Thus, the affair is not limited to one French politician but also affects the party organization.
Bardella
The ruling has immediate consequences for the lead-up to the French presidential elections. For a long time, it was considered possible that Jordan Bardella would become the party’s presidential candidate if Le Pen were declared ineligible. That scenario appears off the table for now.
Le Pen and Bardella emphasize their collaboration. Le Pen stated that Bardella would become prime minister if she wins the presidency in 2027. Bardella, for his part, reaffirmed his full support for her candidacy. Both present themselves as a political duo aiming to enter the elections together.
Far Right
At the same time, the European Parliament decided to initiate a separate procedure against the European party umbrella ESN, which includes several radical right-wing parties. The investigation concerns whether the group still meets the criteria to remain recognized as a European political party.
This procedure could have far-reaching consequences. If it is determined that the requirements are no longer met, the far-right European party could lose its recognition and associated European funding. Thus, two separate cases are running concurrently, both revolving around the use of European funds and oversight thereof, while the political effects are felt both in France and within the European Parliament.