(Adnkronos) – “We will appeal”. This was announced by Marine Le Pen’s lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut, after his client was sentenced to five years of ineligibility. “It’s a blow to democracy,” he added.
However, the choice to appeal, explains Le Monde, has no effect on her immediate ineligibility. Pending a new court ruling, Marine Le Pen will not be able to run in any election for a period of five years, including the 2027 presidential elections and the next legislative elections.
Considering the usual hearing times, the appeal could be held no earlier than a year, with another three months before a new sentence is issued, or just before the 2027 presidential elections. On appeal, Marine Le Pen could escape an immediate sentence of ineligibility, which would theoretically allow her to run for election. But, on the one hand, the process should take place within a tight timeframe and, on the other, preparing a candidacy in this context seems complicated.
If, on the other hand, the sentence on appeal were to be confirmed, Marine Le Pen should still appeal to the Court of Cassation, before the court’s decision becomes final.
