French court's decision might change Le Pen's political future next spring
French judges will soon decide if **Marine Le Pen** misused EU money while running her party. The case could stop her from joining next presidential race and change French political landscape
In a high-stakes legal case Marine Le Pen and her former National Front party face charges over mis-using EU Parliament money; the court will give its decision on 03/31/25. The prosecution wants a five-year public office ban which might stop her from joining the 2027 presidential race
The case focuses on how Le Penʼs team spent EU funds: prosecutors say they paid party workers instead of real parliament staff (a claim that could harm her political career). Her side says they did nothing wrong and used the money in a proper way
This is not just about Marine Le Pen‚ but also about at least 13 million voters
Le Pen who lost to Macron in two past elections; is now seen as a top pick for the next one. Her lawyer says the requested ban would be anti-democratic: calling it a “weapon of mass destruction against democracy“. The politician herself stays calm - telling reporters she thinks the defense made good points
The case doesnt change Le Pens position on Prime Minister Barniers government; which her party might not support because of the 2025 budget plans. The courts final choice about an immediate ban (if there is a guilty verdict) could re-shape French politics
