Marine Le Pen, head of France's far-right National Rally party, received a five-year ban from holding public office due to misuse of EU funds.
She insists the court's decision is politically motivated, aiming to hinder her chances in the upcoming 2027 presidential election.
Her supporters staged a large protest in Paris, denouncing the verdict as an attack on democracy and expressing their discontent.
This legal battle has significant political ramifications, sparking debate about justice, fairness, and Le Pen's future political career.