French Constitutional Council Reviews Immediate Ineligibility Penalties with Major Implications for Marine Le Pen

The Council's decision, expected by March 27-28, could influence the outcome of Marine Le Pen's trial verdict on March 31, potentially shaping her political future.

The French Constitutional Council is deliberating on the constitutionality of immediate ineligibility penalties, which take effect before appeals are resolved.
Marine Le Pen faces a potential five-year ineligibility penalty with immediate execution, which could bar her from the 2027 presidential race.
Critics argue that immediate ineligibility penalties undermine democratic fairness by excluding candidates prematurely and limiting voter choice.
The Council's historical stance opposes immediate execution of such penalties, emphasizing the need for definitive judicial decisions.
The outcome of the Council's review could set a precedent for the March 31 verdict in Le Pen's trial and other cases involving elected officials.