Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right party in France, may be barred from running for president if found guilty of embezzlement. This would be a blow to her rising popularity and could lead to a major political storm in the country. Le Pen has denied the charges of embezzling EU funds through no-show jobs for assistants. Prosecutors have requested a five-year sentence, a fine, and a five-year ban on running for office. If convicted, Le Pen could be excluded from the 2027 presidential election, where she is seen as a strong candidate. Her potential disqualification has raised concerns about the state of French democracy and led to fears of stifling far-right voices. The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for French politics, especially as other potential leaders are vying for power amid a chaotic political landscape. The National Rally party, formerly the National Front, faces uncertainty if Le Pen is banned from public office. Overall, the case against Le Pen is seen as a test of France’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and democratic values.
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