Marine Le Pen’s intention to run for president has drawn sharp criticism from rival parties amid her recent conviction for embezzling public funds. Despite polls consistently showing both Le Pen and her close ally Jordan Bardella as frontrunners likely to advance to the presidential runoff, some recent surveys indicate Bardella could surpass her in the initial voting round.

The controversy centers on Le Pen’s conviction related to the alleged misuse of European Union funds, resulting in a €2 million fine against her party, the National Rally (RN), with half suspended. The case stems from a broader investigation that began with a 2013 report by a French investigative news outlet detailing the employment of party members as parliamentary assistants under false pretenses while the party was known as the National Front. Prosecutors maintained that this practice was part of a systemic effort to allocate funds improperly.

After a lengthy seven-year inquiry, Le Pen and more than two dozen other defendants were ordered to stand trial in 2023 over accusations connected to the EU fund misuse. Both Le Pen and the National Rally have consistently challenged the validity of the charges.

Political opponents have seized on the conviction to question the legitimacy of Le Pen’s candidacy. Marine Tondelier, leader of the Greens, emphasized that in a political environment respecting ethical standards, Le Pen would withdraw her bid. “You cannot decently stand for election after being convicted of misappropriating public funds,” Tondelier said.

The unfolding legal and political drama adds complexity to an already tightly contested presidential race in France, with the National Rally seeking to capitalize on strong polling support despite the judicial setbacks faced by its leader. The campaign will likely test voters’ tolerance of legal controversies in relation to candidates’ viability on the national stage.