France Le Pen's appeal begins - focus on presidential election
The right-wing nationalist French leader Marine Le Pen is defending herself in appeal proceedings against her conviction for misappropriation of funds and a temporary exclusion from elections.
13.01.2026, 14:33
SDA
The trial, which is scheduled to last until mid-February, began this afternoon in a Paris court amid great media hype. In the first instance, Le Pen was disqualified from standing for election for five years with immediate effect. If this is confirmed, she would not be able to stand as a candidate in next year's presidential election.
In addition to Le Pen, eleven other defendants and her party Rassemblement National are on trial in the Paris Palace of Justice. The trial revolves around the possible fictitious employment of assistants to several French MEPs between 2004 and 2016. The central accusation is that Le Pen's party - then still known as the Front National - received money for parliamentary assistants who, at least in part, worked for the party.
Focus on passive voting rights
Le Pen always rejected the accusations. "I do not feel that I have committed the slightest irregularity, the slightest illegality," she said. At first instance, the court nevertheless found her guilty last year. It sentenced the right-wing populist to two years in prison with an electronic shackle and a further two years on probation and imposed a fine of 100,000 euros (around 93,000 Swiss francs). The fact that the court also decided to revoke Le Pen's right to stand for election for five years with immediate effect caused a stir.
If the Court of Appeal confirms the penalty and the immediate application of the disqualification, Le Pen will not be able to run for president of France next year. The 57-year-old has already announced that she will decide on her candidacy after the appeal ruling - and before a possible appeal decision. If she is unable to run, the Rassemblement National will send party leader Jordan Bardella into the race.
