French Prosecutors Ask Appeal Court to Keep Ban on Marine Le Pen Running for Office

French prosecutors have formally requested that an appeals court uphold a ruling barring far-right leader Marine Le Pen from running for public office, a move that could dramatically reshape France’s political landscape ahead of future elections.
The request follows a lower court decision that found Le Pen guilty of misuse of public funds linked to her party’s management of European Parliament resources. The ruling included a ban on holding or seeking public office, along with a suspended prison sentence and a substantial fine. Le Pen has denied wrongdoing and vowed to fight the verdict, calling it a politically motivated attempt to remove her from democratic competition.
The Paris Court of Appeal is expected to consider the prosecutors’ submission in the coming months, with a final decision likely before France’s next major electoral cycle.
A Case with Major Political Consequences
Le Pen, the longtime leader of the National Rally party and a three-time presidential candidate, remains one of the most influential figures in French politics. Polls consistently place her or her party near the top in voter support, particularly among working-class and rural voters frustrated with inflation, immigration and public services.
If the ban is upheld, Le Pen would be legally prevented from standing in any election, including a potential 2027 presidential run. Analysts say this would create an unprecedented vacuum on the French far right and force her party to accelerate its search for a successor.
Prosecutors argued that the ban is justified by the seriousness of the offense and the need to protect public trust in political institutions.
“This case concerns the misuse of European public funds over several years,” a judicial source said. “The sanction reflects the gravity of the breach and the importance of accountability for elected officials.”
Allegations of Misuse of EU Funds
The case centers on accusations that Le Pen and senior members of her party improperly used money allocated for European Parliament assistants to pay party staff in France. Investigators said the funds were diverted away from legitimate parliamentary work and instead supported the party’s national operations.
Le Pen has consistently rejected the charges, saying the case involves administrative disagreements rather than fraud.
“This is not justice, it is political warfare,” she said after the initial verdict. “They want to stop me from representing millions of French people who vote for us.”
Her legal team has argued that the ruling violates democratic principles by excluding a major opposition figure from elections. They insist that any punishment should be limited to financial penalties rather than political disqualification.
Prosecutors Push Back
In their appeal submission, prosecutors countered that the ban is proportionate and necessary to deter abuse of public resources.
“Public office requires exemplary conduct,” prosecutors wrote, according to court sources. “When that trust is broken, sanctions must be strong enough to restore confidence in democratic institutions.”
They also rejected claims of political bias, noting that the judiciary operates independently and that similar penalties have been imposed in past corruption cases involving politicians from across the political spectrum.
Legal experts say the appeal court will weigh both the legal basis of the conviction and the broader implications of barring a leading political figure from office.
“This is not just a legal matter, it’s a constitutional and political one,” said a Paris-based constitutional lawyer. “The court must balance the rule of law with the democratic impact of its decision.”
Reactions Across the Political Spectrum
The case has sparked fierce debate in France. Supporters of Le Pen accuse the government and judiciary of trying to neutralize a popular opponent through the courts. They point to her strong polling numbers as evidence that the ruling undermines voters’ will.
“This is an attack on democracy,” said Jordan Bardella, president of the National Rally party. “They cannot defeat us at the ballot box, so they try to defeat us in the courtroom.”
Government officials have avoided direct comment on the case, stressing the independence of the judiciary. President Emmanuel Macron’s office reiterated that “the courts decide according to the law, not political convenience.”
Opposition figures on the left and center have offered mixed reactions. Some welcomed the ruling as proof that no one is above the law. Others expressed concern that banning a major political leader could fuel distrust and conspiracy theories among voters.
Impact on the Far Right
If Le Pen is disqualified, attention will turn to Bardella, a rising figure within the party who has cultivated a more youthful and media-friendly image. While popular among younger supporters, he lacks Le Pen’s experience and national recognition.
Political analysts say the party could struggle to maintain unity without its longtime figurehead.
“Marine Le Pen is not just a candidate, she is the brand,” said one political strategist. “Removing her would force a redefinition of the far-right movement in France.”
However, some observers believe the controversy could strengthen the National Rally by portraying it as a victim of elite institutions.
“Martyrdom has historically benefited populist movements,” said a political scientist at Sciences Po. “This could energize their base rather than weaken it.”
Awaiting the Court’s Decision
The appeals court is not expected to rule immediately, but the prosecutors’ request ensures the case will remain at the center of political debate for months to come.
For Le Pen, the stakes could not be higher. A confirmed ban would mark the end of her personal presidential ambitions after more than a decade of campaigning. For France, the outcome could reshape the 2027 election and redefine the boundaries between justice and politics.
As the country watches the legal process unfold, the case highlights a fundamental tension in modern democracies: how to enforce accountability while preserving the right of voters to choose their leaders. Whether the court sides with prosecutors or overturns the ban, the decision is certain to leave a lasting impact on France’s political future.