A Paris appeals court on July 7, 2026, found far-right leader Marine Le Pen guilty of embezzlement. The court fined her €100,000 ($114,000) and reduced her ban from elected office from five years to 45 months, two-thirds of which are suspended. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
The court also cut her prison sentence from four years to three, two of which are suspended. The remaining one year is to be served under house arrest with an electronic monitor. This measure is common in France, partly to ease prison overcrowding.
Le Pen's lawyer said they would appeal the decision. The verdict could affect Le Pen's ability to run in the 2027 presidential election. However, she still has the right to run if the appeal is not successful; the ban period may expire before election day.
In France, wearing an electronic monitor is considered a form of house arrest. It allows authorities to monitor the convicted person's presence at home during specific hours. In Le Pen's case, this measure will last one year.
The verdict has had a significant impact on the political situation in France. Le Pen's supporters consider the decision political persecution, while opponents support the rule of law. The case continues as lawyers plan to appeal.