French far-right leader Marine Le Pen begins a crucial appeal in Paris this week that will determine whether she can run in the 2027 presidential election, after being barred from public office over a conviction for misusing EU funds.

Le Pen, the long-time leader of ?the far-right National Rally (RN), was seen as a likely frontrunner in the 2027 race until she was found guilty last ?year of ?misappropriating more than €4 million ($4.7 million) of EU funds and given a five-year ban from running for ?public office, effective immediately.

Le Pen appealed, as did the RN and 10 others found guilty of diverting European Parliament funds. The hearing begins on Tuesday and should end on Feb. 12.