Convictions, Campaigns, and the Cost of Contempt Marine Le Pen's decision to run for French President despite her criminal conviction is a brazen test of the country's democratic norms.
The far right leader's appeal court victory has emboldened her supporters and raised questions about the role of justice in politics.
The embezzlement charges against Le Pen were a serious affront to public trust, given her position as an elected official with a duty to uphold the law and maintain transparency in her dealings.