05:00
German Chancellor Merz to visit Trump next week
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to Washington next week to meet U.S. President Donald Trump.
Marine Le Pen faces court verdict that could bar her from 2027 presidential race
Reuters
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen is awaiting a critical court ruling on Monday that could determine her political future. Le Pen, head of the National Rally (RN), faces accusations of embezzling over 3 million euros ($3.3 million) of European Parliament funds to pay France-based staff.
Le Pen, 56, who has made three unsuccessful bids for the French presidency, has stated that 2027 will be her final run for the top office. If barred, her party claims it would be a politically motivated attempt to eliminate her from the race. “With provisional execution, the judges have the power of life or death over our movement,” Le Pen told La Tribune Dimanche. “But I don't think they'll go that far.”
Political analysts suggest that a guilty verdict could significantly alter France’s political landscape. According to Arnaud Benedetti, a political analyst specializing in the RN’s rise, removing Le Pen from the race would be a seismic disruption. “The main opposition leader would be prevented from running by the judges,” he said.
Le Pen’s supporters argue that the charges are a politically motivated witch hunt. Her party has transformed into the largest single party in France’s parliament, and an acquittal could bolster her mainstream appeal.
However, a guilty verdict with a five-year ban could force Le Pen to step aside for her protégé, Jordan Bardella, the 29-year-old party president. While senior RN figures do not expect Le Pen to be barred, political scientist Jean-Yves Camus noted that a ban could intensify her supporters' feelings of being ostracized by the political elite.
The verdict will have broader implications beyond Le Pen’s candidacy, sparking debate about how judges influence politics and whether legal proceedings are being used to block political opponents.
03:30
Bridge collapse in Russia’s Bryansk region kills at least seven, injures 30
A bridge collapse in the Vygonichsky district of Russia’s Bryansk region, near the Ukrainian border, caused a train derailment and a traffic accident early Sunday, killing at least seven people and leaving 30 injured, according to emergency services.
03:30
India hit by deadly monsoon floods, at least 22 dead
Landslides and flash floods caused by days of heavy monsoon rain have killed at least 22 people in India’s northeast, officials said.
03:20
Cambodia PM urges patience in border dispute with Thailand after soldier’s death
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Saturday that the border conflict with Thailand “must be resolved with patience and through legal and diplomatic channels.”
03:05
Iran’s foreign minister warns IAEA chief in phone call ahead of board meeting
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi spoke by phone with IAEA Director Rafael Mariano Grossi, warning that any political actions against Iran at next week’s Board of Governors meeting would have consequences.
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