France’s top court upholds Le Pen’s dismissal as local councillor

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen in the National Assembly, 28 October 2025. The ban on holding office that was part of the sentencing for her conviction of fraud does not apply to her position as an MP, but can apply to her local position as councillor of the Pas-de-Calais department, according to the Council of State. © Sarah Meyssonnier/Reuters

France’s Council of State has confirmed the dismissal of far right leader Marine Le Pen from her role as departmental councillor, following her conviction in March for using EU funds to pay party staff and a five-year ban from holding public office.

France's highest administrative court on Monday rejected Le Pen’s appeal against her removal as councillor of the Pas-de-Calais department after she was sentenced and immediately banned from running for office.