The court ruled that the gravity of Le Pen’s crimes meant that her five-year ban on running for election would be immediately enacted.
This was seen as a near-fatal blow to her chances of standing in the next presidential vote — with Le Pen acknowledging that the path would be “narrow” but vowing to fight on.
With Macron unable to serve a third term, Le Pen was odds on to replace him. She has previously made three unsuccessful presidential bids.
Le Pen has already appealed the verdict. Two other defendants have also done so, according to the court.
Monday’s verdict sent shockwaves throughout French politics, with Le Pen’s allies slamming the ruling as politicized and antidemocratic and U.S. President Donald Trump and his adviser Elon Musk also backing her.