French far-right leader Le Pen's election bid at risk over embezzlement appeal

A crucial court decision on November 7 will determine whether French far-right politician Marine Le Pen can run in next year's presidential election. Le Pen is appealing a conviction for embezzling European Parliament funds, a case that could see her banned from holding office for five years.

The appeal concerns allegations that Le Pen and other National Rally (formerly National Front) officials embezzled 4.3 million euros ($4.6 million) between 2004 and 2016. Prosecutors claim Le Pen orchestrated a "system" to create "fake assistant jobs" and divert funds. A lower court in March sentenced her to four years in prison, with two years suspended and a five-year ban from public office.

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A presidential candidate must be completely free to move, and that is not possible if one is wearing an electronic tag.

Le Pen has stated that even if her sentence is reduced, she will not run if she receives a ban of two years or more. She also indicated she would not run if sentenced to house arrest, citing the need for complete freedom of movement as a presidential candidate. If she appeals the appellate court's decision, any ban imposed by the lower court could be reinstated while the final ruling is pending, further complicating her potential candidacy.

Local media suggest a favorable outcome for Le Pen is unlikely, as prosecutors have reportedly found more evidence, including an email from a party accountant stating, "Marine knows about all this." If Le Pen is disqualified, party leader Jordan Bardella, who currently leads in some polls, is seen as the most likely successor. Le Pen has pledged to support Bardella if she cannot run.

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I really want to see her elected president of France.