Le Pen's appeal fails, election ban remains in place

France's highest administrative court has rejected Marine Le Pen's appeal against election rules, confirming her five-year ban from holding public office.

Le Pen was convicted in March of misusing public funds, with the sentence including four years in prison (two of which are suspended) and a €100,000 fine.

The court found that Le Pen had sought a change in the law, which is not within its jurisdiction.
Le Pen's lawyer claims that the administrative court's decision does not preclude her candidacy in possible early parliamentary elections for the time being.

The final verdict in the criminal case is expected in January and could determine her possible participation in the 2027 presidential elections.

Le Pen considers the allegations to be politically motivated and claims that the law unduly restricts her political rights.

(reuters, mja)