France: Marine Le Pen facing political demise?
A French court has found Marine Le Pen guilty of embezzling millions of euros in EU funds. The leader of the far-right Rassemblement National party now faces a prison sentence and a fine, as well as being declared ineligible to run for five years. France's media discusses the political implications for the three-time presidential candidate.
End of the clan, not the party
Even if Le Pen is convicted, Rassemblement National will survive, Libération writes:
“According to Marine Le Pen the judges have 'the power of life and death over our party'. But she's mistaken on two counts. Firstly, her statement suggests that she would undoubtedly be the best candidate for the far right. Is that really so, given that the 2027 presidential election would be her fourth attempt? And then there is the risk that the story of the far right won't end immediately even if Marine Le Pen is found ineligible. Others will be jostling to carry the torch. What is at stake today is the future of a clan, a family, a name, but not that of a political movement that is unfortunately firmly rooted in France's political landscape.”
Stormy times ahead
The decision could have serious consequences for France's government, Le Figaro stresses:
“Marine Le Pen faces a penalty of five years of ineligibility. Would this penalty take effect immediately in the likely event that she appeals it? If so, the three-time presidential candidate would not be able to run for a fourth time. ... But even in the event of her political decapitation she could complete her mandate as an MP, which could be seen as paradoxical. Would she then be tempted to take revenge and topple François Bayrou's government by any means necessary? Whatever the case, the political climate is likely to be stormy between now and 2027.”