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Morning opening: The first act of 2027 French presidential elections
Jakub Krupa
The 2027 French presidential election may be two years out, but its first act will play out in a Paris court this morning, as judges hand down a verdict on charges the far-right leader Marine Le Pen and party officials embezzled money from the European parliament.
Prosecutors asked for a €300,000 (£250,000) fine, a prison sentence and a five-year ban from public office. Crucially, it would apply immediately, even if she appeals against it.
The court’s decision could prove a turning point for Le Pen’s political career blocking her from running in the 2027 race (she said prosecutors wanted her “political death”), and posing major questions about the future of her movement.
But it could also reignite the debate over whether such political bans are even the right tool – or should it be left to the electorate to make final decisions on election day.
Over the weekend, Le Journal du Dimanche, a Sunday paper, published a new presidential poll showing Le Pen as a runaway leader at 37%, over 10% higher than her first round result in 2022. A separate poll in Le Figaro earlier this month suggested 42% of French people wanted her to stand in 2027.
The head judge will begin reading the verdict at 10am Paris time (9am London).
I will bring you all the key reactions from Le Pen, her allies and rivals, and across Europe.
It’s Monday, 31 March 2025, and this is Europe live. It’s Jakub Krupa here.
Good morning.
