Marine Le Pen, the controversial leader of France's far-right National Rally, has been convicted of embezzling EU funds, leading to a five-year ban from public office and disqualifying her from the 2027 presidential race. This ruling ignites fierce political debate, with supporters lamenting the disenfranchisement of millions, while opponents celebrate it as a triumph for democracy.

Marine Le Pen's conviction for embezzling EU funds echoes historical patterns of political corruption in France. The country has a long history of political scandals, notably the 1990s' "Affaire des HLM de Paris," where officials misused public funds. Le Pen's case reignites debates on accountability and the far-right's influence, reminiscent of past controversies surrounding political integrity in France's evolving democracy.