French court ruling could spell trouble for Le Pen's 2027 presidential run

A ruling issued by France's constitutional court on Friday has sparked speculation about whether Marine Le Pen will be allowed to stand in the 2027 French presidential elections.

The judgement relates to the dismissal of a former local representative from the French overseas territory of Mayotte.

Lawyers representing Rachadi Saindou, who was found guilty in 2024 of embezzling public funds, had argued that their client should not have been removed from office until his appeals process had been completed.

However, the French constitutional court dismissed this argument, saying an individual could be stripped of their office before they have exhausted this process. 

Legal scholars say Saindou's case could have implications for Le Pen, who heads the far-right National Rally party in the National Assembly.

This is because Le Pen is currently being tried for her involvement in the alleged embezzlement of EU funds by her party, with a verdict expected on Monday.

In their judgement on Saindou's case, the court limited the scope of its ruling to local officials and steered away from broader legal conclusions, which could have impacted the outcome of the far-right politician's case.

Le Pen's case is also different from Saindou's because it concerns the possibility of running in future elections, rather than being removed from her current position.

Prosecutors in Le Pen's trial have asked judges to impose an immediate five-year ban regardless of an appeal.

Such a move would prevent Le Pen from standing in the France's next presidential election, which is set to take place in April 2027.