Le Pen to appeal ban from running for public office, condemning 'political decision'

Marine Le Pen has criticised a court ruling that bans her from running for public office as a "political decision" and says she will appeal.

The French far-right politician was found guilty on Monday of embezzling EU funds and she was barred from standing in an election for five years, with immediate effect.

The decision means that, unless she can get her sentence overturned before the 2027 presidential election, Le Pen will likely not be able to stand.