Le Pen Case: Will the Court Lift the Election Ban?
World
Hearings have begun at the Paris Court of Appeal in the case of French far-right leader Marine Le Pen. The ruling could determine whether one of the country’s most prominent politicians will be allowed to run in next year’s presidential election.
Le Pen is appealing a verdict handed down in March last year, when a lower court found her guilty of misusing funds from the European Parliament. She was sentenced to a substantial fine, four years in prison — two suspended and two under house arrest — and banned from running for public office.
The election ban is the most consequential part of the ruling, as France is set to hold presidential elections next year. Despite the legal proceedings, Marine Le Pen remains a leading contender. According to a recent Le Monde poll, more than 40% of French voters support her political ideas.
The central question of the appeal is whether the court will overturn the ban on her participation in elections. Hearings are scheduled to conclude on February 12, with a decision expected by summer. If the verdict is upheld, Le Pen may appeal to the Court of Cassation, though there is a risk that a final ruling may not be issued before the election campaign begins.
The election ban is the most consequential part of the ruling, as France is set to hold presidential elections next year. Despite the legal proceedings, Marine Le Pen remains a leading contender. According to a recent Le Monde poll, more than 40% of French voters support her political ideas.
The central question of the appeal is whether the court will overturn the ban on her participation in elections. Hearings are scheduled to conclude on February 12, with a decision expected by summer. If the verdict is upheld, Le Pen may appeal to the Court of Cassation, though there is a risk that a final ruling may not be issued before the election campaign begins.
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