France, Jan. 13 -- The long-time figurehead of the far-right National Rally (RN) was widely seen as a formidable contender for the presidency until she was convicted last year of misusing European Union funds.

Judges found that more than €4 million had been misappropriated and imposed a five-year ban on her holding public office, effective immediately.

That ruling abruptly halted Le Pen's political momentum just as the next presidential contest was beginning to take shape.

Her appeal, which opens this Tuesday and is expected to conclude on 12 February, represents a pivotal moment not only for her career but for the future direction of French politics.

French court hands Le Pen five-year election ban in fake jobs case 2027 presid...