Marine Le Pen's appeal trial begins, threatening her 2027 presidential bid

Marine Le Pen is back in court for an appeal trial related to the case of parliamentary assistants for her party, the National Rally (formerly the National Front). The original conviction carried a penalty that could ban her from running in the 2027 French presidential election.

Le Pen has expressed hope that the appeal will be successful and has reportedly changed her defense strategy for this new trial. The outcome will directly determine her political future and eligibility for the next presidential race.