{"id":2030829,"date":"2026-07-07T05:00:47","date_gmt":"2026-07-07T02:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2030829"},"modified":"2026-07-07T05:00:47","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T02:00:47","slug":"euronews-explains-the-verdict-that-could-end-marine-le-pen-and-launch-jordan-bardella","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2030829","title":{"rendered":"Euronews explains: The verdict that could end Marine Le Pen \u2013 and launch Jordan Bardella"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/71\/89\/1200x675_cmsv2_6e91290a-5b46-5b69-9901-e78d489ef447-9827189.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2907879-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2907879\" data-cid=\"9828175\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907879-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/81\/75\/189x106_cmsv2_a862b98d-9ae8-5836-91a9-221a922ee9c1-9828175.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Currency traders watch monitors at the foreign exchange dealing room of the Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, 7 July 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Markets<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Samsung loses over $100 billion in market value despite record profit\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907782-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2907782\" data-cid=\"9827611\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907782-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/76\/11\/189x106_cmsv2_35f70e51-1cad-5bf2-b207-2006c0fe738e-9827611.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Dilan Ye\u015filg\u00f6z-Zegerius, Dutch Defence Minister\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    NATO to put pressure on allies not stepping up, warns Dutch minister\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2902250-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2902250\" data-cid=\"9827563\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2902250-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/79\/97\/75\/189x106_cmsv2_139158e4-2323-5e6a-baf4-3b6503f33ba5-9799775.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File photo: Ukrainian soldiers sit in a pickup truck at their frontline position near Bakhmut, 16 June 2023.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Could military-age Ukrainian men lose protection status in Germany?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907871-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2907871\" data-cid=\"9828082\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907871-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/80\/82\/189x106_cmsv2_8e99b3aa-ceb5-5f4b-88b7-943bc915fbcd-9828082.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Fans react as they watch a broadcast at a fan fest of the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the United States and Belgium\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Sport<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    US fans react as Belgium ends World Cup dream\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907879-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2907879\" data-cid=\"9828175\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907879-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/81\/75\/189x106_cmsv2_a862b98d-9ae8-5836-91a9-221a922ee9c1-9828175.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Currency traders watch monitors at the foreign exchange dealing room of the Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, 7 July 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Markets<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Samsung loses over $100 billion in market value despite record profit\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907782-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2907782\" data-cid=\"9827611\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907782-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/76\/11\/189x106_cmsv2_35f70e51-1cad-5bf2-b207-2006c0fe738e-9827611.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Dilan Ye\u015filg\u00f6z-Zegerius, Dutch Defence Minister\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    NATO to put pressure on allies not stepping up, warns Dutch minister\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2902250-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2902250\" data-cid=\"9827563\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2902250-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/79\/97\/75\/189x106_cmsv2_139158e4-2323-5e6a-baf4-3b6503f33ba5-9799775.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File photo: Ukrainian soldiers sit in a pickup truck at their frontline position near Bakhmut, 16 June 2023.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Could military-age Ukrainian men lose protection status in Germany?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907871-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2907871\" data-cid=\"9828082\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907871-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/80\/82\/189x106_cmsv2_8e99b3aa-ceb5-5f4b-88b7-943bc915fbcd-9828082.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Fans react as they watch a broadcast at a fan fest of the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the United States and Belgium\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Sport<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    US fans react as Belgium ends World Cup dream\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Euronews explains: The verdict that could end Marine Le Pen \u2013 and launch Jordan Bardella<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/71\/89\/1536x864_cmsv2_6e91290a-5b46-5b69-9901-e78d489ef447-9827189.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Far-right party National Rally president Jordan Bardella and far-right leader Marine Le Pen attend a rally in Lievin, northern France, 4 July 2026.\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Far-right party National Rally president Jordan Bardella and far-right leader Marine Le Pen attend a rally in Lievin, northern France, 4 July 2026.<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspMa\u00efa de la Baume\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1783400447\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-07-07 07:00:47 +02:00\">07\/07\/2026 &#8211; 7:00 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span 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height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        If the Paris Court of Appeal upholds Marine Le Pen&#8217;s five-year ban from public office, the National Rally figurehead&#8217;s long-held presidential ambitions would effectively be over.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>Marine Le Pen\u2019s political future \u2013 and potentially the course of France\u2019s 2027 presidential election \u2013 will be decided at 13:30 on Tuesday, when the Paris Court of Appeal rules on whether to uphold her five-year ban from holding public office over allegations of embezzling EU funds.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>If the ruling is upheld, it would effectively end Le Pen\u2019s presidential ambitions and leave Jordan Bardella as the National Rally\u2019s (RN) likely candidate for the \u00c9lys\u00e9e.<\/p>\n<p>Despite her conviction, the 57-year-old three-time presidential candidate remains the strongest individual contender, polling 32% in the first round. Bardella, however, is polling between 35% and 37%, according to an Ifop-Fiducial survey released last month.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhatever happens, I will not be dead; whatever happens, I will continue to fight for my ideas,\u201d Le Pen told LCI.<\/p>\n<p>Euronews examines the ruling, what is at stake, and the possible outcomes.<\/p>\n<h2>The verdict<\/h2>\n<p>Le Pen is appealing a March 2025 ruling in which a Paris criminal court sentenced her to four years in prison \u2013 two suspended and two to be served under electronic monitoring \u2013 a \u20ac100,000 fine, and a five-year ban from holding public office with immediate effect.<\/p>\n<p>The court found that Le Pen\u2019s party, then known as the National Front (now the National Rally), diverted European Parliament funds between 2004 and 2016 by paying parliamentary assistants who were in reality working for the party rather than carrying out duties for Members of the European Parliament.<\/p>\n<p>Le Pen defended the practice as a legitimate way of \u201cpooling\u201d parliamentary assistants. She maintained that she had acted in \u201cgood faith\u201d and said she had \u201cnever felt [she] had committed an offence.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>If the ban is upheld<\/h2>\n<p>If the appeals court upholds the ruling, Le Pen would be barred from running in the 2027 presidential election, widely regarded as her strongest chance yet of winning the presidency.<\/p>\n<p>Alternatively, the court could acquit Le Pen \u2013 an outcome that even her most optimistic supporters now consider highly unlikely \u2013 or reduce her period of ineligibility, potentially allowing her to contest the election.<\/p>\n<p>To remain eligible to run in 2027, her period of ineligibility would need to be reduced to two years or less. Having already served 15 months since her conviction in 2025, she would become eligible again on 31 March 2027 \u2013 just over two weeks before the first round of the presidential election.<\/p>\n<p>Some legal experts, however, argue that reducing Le Pen\u2019s period of ineligibility would amount to giving her preferential treatment compared with others convicted of similar offences.<\/p>\n<p>Even if she is ultimately barred from standing, Le Pen\u2019s future political role remains uncertain. She has said she would campaign alongside Bardella but has ruled out seeking the post of prime minister.<\/p>\n<h2>If Bardella takes over<\/h2>\n<p>If the court bars Le Pen from running, Bardella, the RN\u2019s current president, is widely expected to become the party\u2019s candidate for the 2027 presidential election.<\/p>\n<p>Le Pen recently pledged to support him \u201cevery day\u201d, \u201cwith great energy\u201d and \u201cwith great conviction and confidence\u201d, but the party has sought to strike a delicate balance, promoting Bardella as a credible presidential contender without overshadowing Le Pen, who remains its \u201cnatural\u201d candidate in the eyes of many supporters.<\/p>\n<p>A former lawyer who led the party from 2011 to 2022, Le Pen brings political experience that Bardella, a 30-year-old Member of the European Parliament, does not yet possess.<\/p>\n<p>The two have also displayed subtle ideological differences. While Le Pen has repeatedly insisted she is \u201cneither right-wing nor left-wing\u201d, Bardella has said he \u201cshares the essential values\u201d of \u201cright-wing voters\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Even so, Bardella now enjoys a slight lead over Le Pen in voting-intention polls.<\/p>\n<h2>What next?<\/h2>\n<p>On Sunday, TF1 confirmed that Le Pen will appear on its 8pm news bulletin following the verdict.<\/p>\n<p>Many RN figures have made clear they want the party\u2019s presidential plans settled quickly, and French media have reported that if Le Pen\u2019s ban is upheld, Bardella could announce his candidacy within days.<\/p>\n<p>Whatever the court decides, Tuesday\u2019s ruling is set to reshape France\u2019s presidential race less than a year before voters head to the polls.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella pledge unity ahead of judicial verdict<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  France&#8217;s Marine Le Pen will not run in 2027 if court imposes ankle bracelet, she says<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Paris court sets 7 July for ruling in far-right leader Marine Le Pen&#8217;s EU funds graft appeal case<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Le Pen<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  France<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Jordan Bardella<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2907782-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907782\" data-cid=\"9827611\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907782-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/76\/11\/320x180_cmsv2_35f70e51-1cad-5bf2-b207-2006c0fe738e-9827611.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Dilan Ye\u015filg\u00f6z-Zegerius, Dutch Defence Minister\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    NATO to put pressure on allies not stepping up, warns Dutch minister<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2907862-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907862\" data-cid=\"9828052\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907862-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/80\/52\/320x180_cmsv2_f2ae3321-6108-541c-9879-d28f6993d6a9-9828052.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Screenshot of video showing one of the explosions in Damascus, 7 July, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    At least 18 wounded in Damascus blasts during Macron visit, Syria says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2907779-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907779\" data-cid=\"9827608\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907779-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/76\/08\/320x180_cmsv2_207b6241-679e-5383-9147-1d5bf4932dff-9827608.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File - Smoke rises over the city center after a Russian attack on Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, 25 June 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    The five fastest-growing economies in Europe over the next five years<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2907864-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907864\" data-cid=\"9828051\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907864-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" 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src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/79\/97\/75\/320x180_cmsv2_139158e4-2323-5e6a-baf4-3b6503f33ba5-9799775.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File photo: Ukrainian soldiers sit in a pickup truck at their frontline position near Bakhmut, 16 June 2023.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Could military-age Ukrainian men lose protection status in Germany?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2906960-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2906960\" data-cid=\"9823790\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Switzerland\u2019s solar railway has been a success. 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width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907782-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907782\" data-cid=\"9827611\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907782-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/76\/11\/320x180_cmsv2_35f70e51-1cad-5bf2-b207-2006c0fe738e-9827611.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Dilan Ye\u015filg\u00f6z-Zegerius, Dutch Defence Minister\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    NATO to put pressure on allies not stepping up, warns Dutch minister<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907862-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907862\" data-cid=\"9828052\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907862-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/80\/52\/320x180_cmsv2_f2ae3321-6108-541c-9879-d28f6993d6a9-9828052.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Screenshot of video showing one of the explosions in Damascus, 7 July, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    At least 18 wounded in Damascus blasts during Macron visit, Syria says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907779-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907779\" 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class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/80\/51\/320x180_cmsv2_23bf05e0-8fb3-57de-a47c-70347eb82362-9828051.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Slovenia&apos;s Tadej Pogacar drinks after winning the third stage of the Tour de France cycling race with start in Granollers and finish in Les Angles, 6 July, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Cooling down a &#8216;logistical nightmare&#8217; at Tour de France, Pogacar says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2902250-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2902250\" data-cid=\"9827563\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2902250-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/79\/97\/75\/320x180_cmsv2_139158e4-2323-5e6a-baf4-3b6503f33ba5-9799775.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File photo: Ukrainian soldiers sit in a pickup truck at their frontline position near Bakhmut, 16 June 2023.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Could military-age Ukrainian men lose protection status in Germany?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906960-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2906960\" data-cid=\"9823790\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Switzerland\u2019s solar railway has been a success. What happens next?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907664-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907664\" data-cid=\"9827052\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Norway releases first image of crown princess after lung transplant<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907517-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907517\" data-cid=\"9826429\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Restraining order needed,&#8217; Trump says of Meloni ahead of NATO summit<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907560-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907560\" data-cid=\"9826386\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;The Trump Card&#8217;: Viral reactions to FIFA\u2019s US red card reversal<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907572-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907572\" data-cid=\"9826527\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Air force: Ukraine failed to intercept any Russian ballistic missiles<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">Marine Le Pen\u2019s political future \u2013 and potentially the course of France\u2019s 2027 presidential election \u2013 will be decided at 13:30 on Tuesday, when the Paris Court of Appeal rules on whether to uphold her five-year ban from holding public office over allegations of embezzling EU funds.If the ruling is upheld, it would effectively end Le Pen\u2019s presidential ambitions and leave Jordan Bardella as the National Rally\u2019s (RN) likely candidate for the \u00c9lys\u00e9e.Despite her conviction, the 57-year-old three-time presidential candidate remains the strongest individual contender, polling 32% in the first round. Bardella, however, is polling between 35% and 37%, according to an Ifop-Fiducial survey released last month.\u201cWhatever happens, I will not be dead; whatever happens, I will continue to fight for my ideas,\u201d Le Pen told LCI.Euronews examines the ruling, what is at stake, and the possible outcomes.The verdictLe Pen is appealing a March 2025 ruling in which a Paris criminal court sentenced her to four years in prison \u2013 two suspended and two to be served under electronic monitoring \u2013 a \u20ac100,000 fine, and a five-year ban from holding public office with immediate effect.The court found that Le Pen\u2019s party, then known as the National Front (now the National Rally), diverted European Parliament funds between 2004 and 2016 by paying parliamentary assistants who were in reality working for the party rather than carrying out duties for Members of the European Parliament.Le Pen defended the practice as a legitimate way of \u201cpooling\u201d parliamentary assistants. She maintained that she had acted in \u201cgood faith\u201d and said she had \u201cnever felt [she] had committed an offence.\u201dIf the ban is upheldIf the appeals court upholds the ruling, Le Pen would be barred from running in the 2027 presidential election, widely regarded as her strongest chance yet of winning the presidency.Alternatively, the court could acquit Le Pen \u2013 an outcome that even her most optimistic supporters now consider highly unlikely \u2013 or reduce her period of ineligibility, potentially allowing her to contest the election.To remain eligible to run in 2027, her period of ineligibility would need to be reduced to two years or less. Having already served 15 months since her conviction in 2025, she would become eligible again on 31 March 2027 \u2013 just over two weeks before the first round of the presidential election.Some legal experts, however, argue that reducing Le Pen\u2019s period of ineligibility would amount to giving her preferential treatment compared with others convicted of similar offences.Even if she is ultimately barred from standing, Le Pen\u2019s future political role remains uncertain. She has said she would campaign alongside Bardella but has ruled out seeking the post of prime minister.If Bardella takes overIf the court bars Le Pen from running, Bardella, the RN\u2019s current president, is widely expected to become the party\u2019s candidate for the 2027 presidential election.Le Pen recently pledged to support him \u201cevery day\u201d, \u201cwith great energy\u201d and \u201cwith great conviction and confidence\u201d, but the party has sought to strike a delicate balance, promoting Bardella as a credible presidential contender without overshadowing Le Pen, who remains its \u201cnatural\u201d candidate in the eyes of many supporters.A former lawyer who led the party from 2011 to 2022, Le Pen brings political experience that Bardella, a 30-year-old Member of the European Parliament, does not yet possess.The two have also displayed subtle ideological differences. While Le Pen has repeatedly insisted she is \u201cneither right-wing nor left-wing\u201d, Bardella has said he \u201cshares the essential values\u201d of \u201cright-wing voters\u201d.Even so, Bardella now enjoys a slight lead over Le Pen in voting-intention polls.What next?On Sunday, TF1 confirmed that Le Pen will appear on its 8pm news bulletin following the verdict.Many RN figures have made clear they want the party\u2019s presidential plans settled quickly, and French media have reported that if Le Pen\u2019s ban is upheld, Bardella could announce his candidacy within days.Whatever the court decides, Tuesday\u2019s ruling is set to reshape France\u2019s presidential race less than a year before voters head to the polls.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2026\/07\/07\/euronews-explains-the-verdict-that-could-end-marine-le-pen-and-launch-jordan-bardella&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/71\/89\/1200x675_cmsv2_6e91290a-5b46-5b69-9901-e78d489ef447-9827189.jpg&#8221;] Markets Samsung loses over $100 billion in market value despite record profit Europe Today NATO to put pressure on allies not stepping up, warns Dutch minister Europe News Could military-age Ukrainian men lose protection status in Germany? Sport US fans react as Belgium ends World Cup dream Markets Samsung loses over $100 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2030829","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2030829","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2030829"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2030829\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2030829"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2030829"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2030829"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}