Marine Le Pen sentenced to four years in prison, including two years firm, and five years of ineligibility

The Paris Criminal Court delivered its verdict on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the case of the European parliamentary assistants of the National Front (now National Rally). Marine Le Pen was found guilty of embezzling public funds and sentenced to four years in prison, including two years to be served under electronic surveillance, a €100,000 fine, and five years of ineligibility with immediate execution. This decision effectively prevents her from running in the 2027 presidential election unless overturned on appeal.

A ruling that shakes up the political landscape

Marine Le Pen, a three-time unsuccessful presidential candidate, left the courtroom before her sentence was announced. Her party, the National Rally, was fined €2 million, with €1 million suspended. The ruling sparked strong reactions: Jordan Bardella denounced an “execution of French democracy,” while Marion Maréchal declared that “Marine Le Pen’s only crime is having led our movement toward victory.”

Other political figures also reacted to the decision. Jean-Luc Mélenchon argued that “removing an elected official should be up to the people,” while Laurent Wauquiez deemed it “abnormal for an elected representative to be prevented from running.” Internationally, Dutch politician Geert Wilders and Italy’s Matteo Salvini condemned what they described as a “political attempt” to block Marine Le Pen’s path.

Heavy sanctions for several National Rally officials

Twenty-four other defendants were also on trial in this case. Among them, Louis Aliot, mayor of Perpignan, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, including six under electronic surveillance, and three years of ineligibility without immediate execution, allowing him to remain in office. Nicolas Bay, a Member of the European Parliament, received a 12-month prison sentence, including six months suspended, an €8,000 fine, and three years of ineligibility with immediate execution, leading to the loss of his regional mandate.

Bruno Gollnisch, a historic figure of the National Front, was sentenced to three years in prison, including two suspended, a €50,000 fine, and five years of ineligibility with immediate execution. Meanwhile, Yann Le Pen, Marine Le Pen’s sister, received a suspended 12-month prison sentence and a two-year suspended ineligibility penalty.

Crisis meeting at National Rally headquarters

A crisis meeting was immediately held at the National Rally headquarters, attended by Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella. The convicted leader announced that she would speak in a televised interview tonight, while her lawyer stated that they would file an appeal as soon as possible. Marine Le Pen’s political future now depends on the outcome of this legal process.