France’s Marine Le Pen has been barred from running for office for five years after being found guilty of embezzling EU funds to finance her far-right National Rally party.
The momentous decision means Le Pen will likely not be able to stand in the 2027 French presidential election. It would have been her fourth attempt, and the one offering the greatest chance of victory.
Judges imposed immediate ineligibility with her conviction, meaning the ban on holding public office will now come into effect even if Le Pen appeals.
She has also been given a four-year prison sentence, of which two will be suspended. The other two can be spent with an electronic tag rather than in custody.
Le Pen has also been given a €100,000 fine.
She will very likely appeal the jail sentence, so it will not apply now, the BBC said.
