<h1>European Funds Embezzlement Case Results in Five-Year Ban from Public Office for Far-Right Leader</h1> A French court imposed a five-year ban on far-right leader seeking public office for embezzling EU funds, likely preventing participation in the 2027 presidential election. The court justified its ruling as necessary to preserve democratic public order and ensure elected officials don't receive preferential treatment. The politician denounced the decision as 'a democratic scandal' and plans to appeal. Several other French political figures have previously received similar bans, including a former Prime Minister who received a 10-year ban in a fraud trial. The Constitutional Council recently ruled that immediate ineligibility periods are constitutional, though judges must ensure rulings are proportionate.