Verdict throws National Rally into chaos but could ultimately boost support for the far right

Le Pen wasn't accused of lining her own pockets, but of channeling the money to the party. She has called the case a political attack on her

- Angelique Chrisafis

It is a political earthquake that is almost certain to end Marine Le Pen's ambitions for the 2027 presidential election and throws her far-right party into chaos just as it was setting its sights on taking power in France.

Barred from running for office for five years with immediate effect after being convicted of embezzling European funds for her party, Le Pen's political future is now thrown into doubt. She will probably not be able to mount a fourth campaign for the presidency in two years' time.

The conviction of Le Pen and 24 other members of National Rally for embezzlement of European parliament funds is a huge blow to her party, which has long tried to present itself as the honest, squeaky-clean alternative to old-school politicians with their hands in the till.