In 2025 a French criminal court found Marine Le Pen guilty of embezzling European Union funds; the money was slated for EU parliamentary aides but was instead used to pay party expenses. She received a five-year ban from running for public office, which thus made her ineligible for the 2027 French presidential election. In addition, Le Pen was sentenced to four years in prison, though two of the years were designated as house arrest and the rest of the time was suspended. Le Pen said that she would appeal the verdict.