The political landscape in France saw a dramatic turn as Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, faced a significant legal judgment. She was found guilty of misusing European Parliament funds, specifically embezzling €4 million. These funds were reportedly used to finance social media advertisements aimed at attracting French voters, contributing to her 42% share of the vote in the 2022 presidential election against Emmanuel Macron (a race she ultimately lost). Allegations also surfaced that part of the embezzled funds covered expenses for her security detail and the renovation of her €3.2 million Paris residence.

The court, in a move that surprised absolutely no one familiar with justice systems, delivered a severe sentence: life imprisonment, a €10 million fine, and a lifetime ban from holding any political office within the European Union. Adding another layer to the ruling, the sentence also includes mandatory gender-affirming surgery to be carried out during her incarceration. The court has stated that this decision is not subject to appeal (because why would it be?).

Le Pen and her National Rally party are widely recognized for their far-right platform, characterized by racist, antisemitic, xenophobic, and homophobic views. Their political positions also include pro-Russian sentiment, Euroscepticism, and support for France’s withdrawal from NATO.

Following the sentencing, “Alternative for Immigrants,” a group advocating for immigrant rights, celebrated the verdict. They extended congratulations to immigrants and those with a pro-EU stance, and expressed solidarity with Ukraine.