France woke up to political shockwaves on Wednesday after right-wing nationalist figurehead Marine Le Pen defiantly announced she would run in next year's presidential election, hours after a Paris appeals court upheld her conviction for misuse of public funds. The court shortened her five-year ban from public office, allowing her to campaign.

Le Pen immediately launched her social media campaign with a poster reading "Pour la France - For France," featuring a smiling Le Pen with outstretched arms against the tricolor flag. The campaign is titled "La Renaissance" (Rebirth), a direct jab at President Emmanuel Macron's party, Renaissance. Macron, who cannot run for a third term, had vowed to prevent voters from supporting "extremes."

Le Pen portrays herself as a champion of "the People" against "the Metropolitan Elite" and "Globalists." Critics describe her tactics as Trumpian. She lost to Macron twice but now polls show her stronger than ever. Her protégé, 30-year-old Jordan Bardella, is her pick for prime minister.

Le Pen and Bardella are Eurosceptics, skeptical of NATO, funding Ukraine, and boosting military spending. This alarms European allies, as France is the EU's second-largest economy and a nuclear power. Le Pen's campaign promises a "rebirth" for France, but her legal battles continue.

Le Pen's legal team reportedly hopes the Court of Cassation will rule slowly, potentially allowing her to become president before a final decision, granting her immunity. However, the court could expedite the case, forcing her to wear an electronic tag and reminding voters of her conviction.

Left-wing politician François Ruffin stated: "She has been found guilty twice of embezzling €4.1 million in public funds. She is a criminal. Logically, she should not be running for president." Le Pen insists the French people will decide her fate.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk