Marine Le Pen, the leader of France's far-right National Rally party, has been barred from seeking public office for five years following a verdict in a Paris court related to embezzlement.

This decision has immediate implications for Le Pen’s aspirations in the 2027 presidential elections, as she will need to appeal the verdict to restore her eligibility, although this process does not suspend her current ineligibility.

The court's ruling found Le Pen, along with eight other former European lawmakers, guilty of misappropriating public funds.

Twelve additional aides were also convicted in relation to this case.

The presiding judge described the actions of Le Pen and her co-defendants as part of a system that exploited European Parliament resources intended for official duties.

The judge emphasized that the embezzlement constituted a "democratic bypass" that misled both the parliament and the electorate.

Le Pen reportedly reacted with disbelief during the reading of the verdict and exhibited signs of agitation as the judge elaborated on the ruling, which stated that while she and her co-defendants did not personally enrich themselves, their actions were nonetheless a serious breach of trust.

For her role, the court imposed a two-year prison sentence under house arrest, but the ruling's political ramifications significantly overshadow this penalty.

The verdict is viewed as a considerable setback for Le Pen, who has a strong electoral base.

She has characterized the ruling as a "political death," particularly if it prevents her from campaigning for a presidential run.

The trial's proceedings revealed that from 2004 to 2016, Le Pen and her associates were accused of utilizing funds meant for European Parliament aides to pay for party staff, a violation of EU regulations.

Le Pen defended herself by stating that adapting interns' work to include political tasks was acceptable, arguing that the aides served political functions alongside their parliamentary responsibilities.

During the trial, Le Pen stressed her stance against the accusations, emphasizing that her disqualification from political participation would disenfranchise the millions of voters who support her.

She highlighted the implications of her potential exclusion from the presidential race, stating that it would effectively remove a choice for a substantial segment of the French populace.

Le Pen, who has been a prominent figure in French politics and previously placed second in the 2017 and 2022 presidential elections, has seen rising support for her party in recent years.

Should her ban remain upheld, it is anticipated that Jordan Bardella, currently leading the party and regarded as a successor, would take a prominent role in future electoral endeavours.

Le Pen has categorically denied any wrongdoing and views the actions taken against her as politically motivated.