Le Pen criticizes ‘political’ sentencing

(MENAFN) Marine Le Pen, a leading contender in France's 2027 presidential race, has condemned a Paris court’s decision to convict her of embezzlement as a “political move” orchestrated by her opponents to prevent her from running. Le Pen was sentenced to four years in prison, with two years suspended, and banned from holding public office for five years.

In an interview with French broadcaster TF1, Le Pen accused the court of issuing the ruling to bar her from the presidential race, calling it a violation of the rule of law and a dangerous precedent reminiscent of authoritarian regimes. She vowed to appeal the decision, describing it as a “disastrous day” for French democracy. Le Pen claimed the ruling deprived millions of French citizens of their preferred candidate.

Le Pen maintained her innocence, arguing the case stemmed from an “administrative disagreement” within the European Parliament, not embezzlement or corruption. She denied any personal enrichment from the €4 million the court said she misappropriated from the European Parliament between 2004 and 2016. Despite the conviction, Le Pen insisted she would not exit politics.

The verdict has sparked outrage, with some critics labeling it undemocratic. Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini described it as a “declaration of war by Brussels.” The case comes amid a rise in political movements across the EU opposing Brussels' policies.

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