Marine Le Pen faces legal battle as National Rally gains ground ahead of 2027 election

Marine Le Pen is appealing a conviction over the misuse of European Union funds that could lead to a five-year ban from public office and threaten her 2027 French presidential ambitions. Despite the legal challenge, her far-right National Rally party continues to expand its support across France, winning local positions and strengthening its political influence. If Le Pen is disqualified, party president Jordan Bardella is expected to become a leading candidate. Al Jazeera's Natasha Butler rep