News

Le Pen convicted, banned from 2027 election, sentenced

Marine Le Pen convicted of embezzlement, banned from 2027 election; calls it an attack on democracy.

Published

11 months ago

April 1, 2025

Ahron Young

Marine Le Pen convicted of embezzlement, banned from 2027 election; calls it an attack on democracy.

In Short

Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s far-right National Rally, has been convicted of embezzlement, resulting in a five-year public office ban and a four-year prison sentence, half of which is suspended.

The ruling threatens her candidacy for the 2027 presidential elections unless her appeal succeeds, while her conviction has sparked political debate regarding its implications for French democracy.

Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s far-right National Rally, has been convicted of embezzlement, resulting in a five-year ban from public office and a four-year prison sentence, half of which is suspended.

The court found she misused €4.4 million in EU funds intended for parliamentary assistants to pay party staff who were not working for the European Parliament.

This ruling eliminates her as a candidate in the 2027 presidential elections unless her appeal is successful. Le Pen had been seen as a frontrunner with President Macron term-limited.

Prison sentence

Judges imposed immediate execution of her disqualification, although her prison sentence remains suspended pending any appeal. The conviction is significant, given Le Pen’s influence in French politics over the last decade, especially her views on immigration and integration.

Le Pen has voiced her belief that the ruling is an attack on democracy, calling the decision unjust while promising to appeal.

Reactions to her conviction have sparked political debate, with her party officials arguing that the ruling impacts French democracy as a whole. Critics have pointed out that Le Pen previously supported similar penalties against others found guilty of financial misconduct.

Her allies, including leaders from Hungary and the US, have drawn parallels to political opposition faced by far-right figures, claiming legal action is being used to undermine their platforms.

News

Ukraine Russia peace talks stall with no breakthrough

Zelenskiy blames Moscow for stalling Geneva peace talks; negotiations to resume amid unresolved eastern territory and nuclear power plant disputes.

Published

6 hours ago

February 19, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Zelenskiy blames Moscow for stalling Geneva peace talks; negotiations to resume amid unresolved eastern territory and nuclear power plant disputes.

Two days of high-stakes negotiations in Geneva have ended without a breakthrough, as Ukraine and Russia failed to reach an agreement on key issues in the ongoing war. Despite international pressure, both sides walked away without a deal.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused Moscow of deliberately stalling United States-mediated peace efforts, while Russia signalled it would not accept terms it sees as unfavourable. The White House says further talks are expected.

Major sticking points remain over territory in eastern Ukraine and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, with both sides rejecting proposals that would involve significant territorial concessions.

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News

Iran on edge as military build up meets domestic unrest

Iran strengthens military and nuclear sites amid US carrier presence, escalating fears of confrontation and internal dissent pressure.

Published

6 hours ago

February 19, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Iran strengthens military and nuclear sites amid US carrier presence, escalating fears of confrontation and internal dissent pressure.

Iran is ramping up military readiness as tensions with the United States intensify, with Tehran fortifying key nuclear sites and reviewing defence strategies amid the deployment of U.S. aircraft carriers in the region. Leaders in the Islamic Republic say they are prepared to respond to any imposed conflict, signalling a high-stakes standoff that could reshape regional security dynamics.

At the same time, the regime faces mounting domestic discontent, with security forces cracking down on dissent and carrying out widespread arrests following recent protests. While Iran insists it has made concessions toward a nuclear deal, Washington says key demands remain unmet, leaving negotiations in limbo and the country’s political future under strain.

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News

Jesse Jackson dies at 84 civil rights leader and presidential candidate

Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, 84, dies, leaving a legacy in equality advocacy and global diplomacy.

Published

1 day ago

February 18, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, 84, dies, leaving a legacy in equality advocacy and global diplomacy.

Civil rights icon Jesse Jackson has passed away at the age of 84. Known as a servant leader, he dedicated his life to giving a voice to the oppressed and advocating for equality worldwide.

Jackson founded Operation PUSH and the National Rainbow Coalition, and served as a special envoy to Africa under President Bill Clinton, leaving a lasting impact on global diplomacy and social justice.

He also ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, played a key role in US politics, and helped secure the release of hostages abroad, remaining a tireless advocate until his passing.

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