Le Pen's political fate hangs in balance as appeal begins

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen begins a crucial appeal in Paris this week that will determine whether she can run in the 2027 presidential election, after being barred from public office over a conviction for misusing European Union funds.

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French far-right leader Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, president of the RN political party, after a meeting at the Hotel Matignon in Paris on Sept 2.

(REUTERS)

Le Pen, the longtime leader of the far-right National Rally (RN), was seen as a likely frontrunner in the 2027 race until she was found guilty last year of misappropriating more than €4 million (146 million baht) of EU funds and given a five-year ban from running for public office, effective immediately.

Le Pen appealed, as did the RN and 10 others found guilty of diverting European Parliament funds. The hearing begins today and should end on Feb 12.

A ruling is expected before the summer, meaning her hopes of running in 2027 remain alive if her five-year ban is revoked or drastically curtailed.

If she cannot run, Le Pen has said her protege, 30-year-old RN party president Jordan Bardella, will do so in her stead.