France’s highest administrative court rejected an appeal by far-right leader Marine Le Pen on Wednesday.
The decision upholds a sentence that could prevent her from running in the 2027 presidential election.
Le Pen, a prominent figure in French politics, faced the ruling after her conviction for misappropriation of funds.
The Paris Criminal Court’s March decision imposed a four-year prison sentence, with two years to serve.
It also included a €100,000 fine and a five-year ban on holding public office, effective immediately.
Le Pen argued the immediate ban unfairly restricted her political rights, claiming the case was politically motivated.
The Council of State dismissed Le Pen’s challenge to electoral rules, stating her appeal sought to amend laws rather than repeal regulations.
The court noted that the contested legal articles were either nonexistent or unrelated to her case.
This ruling deals a significant setback to Le Pen’s efforts to overturn the public office ban.
A final decision on her case is expected in January, but the current ruling clouds her political future.
Le Pen’s lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut, stated the decision does not prevent her from running for parliament before the final ruling.
The upheld sentence casts uncertainty over Le Pen’s ability to compete in the 2027 presidential election, where she remains a leading contender.
Her conviction stems from a party funds misuse case, which she claims was politically driven.
If a snap parliamentary election occurs, Le Pen intends to seek re-election in Pas-de-Calais.
The immediate enforcement of the public office ban, despite pending appeals, complicates her plans.
The Council of State’s decision reinforces the legal barriers Le Pen faces in her political career.