A high-stakes appeal by far-right French politician Marine Le Pen starts on Tuesday against a ruling that banned her from running for public office for five years.
Le Pen, 57, was found guilty last year of embezzling EU funds and if the ban is upheld she will not be able to stand in the 2027 presidential election. She insists she has not committed "the slightest irregularity".
Ahead of the appeal, the president of her National Rally party, Jordan Bardella, said barring her from the election would be "deeply worrying for democracy".
Bardella said he would not stand for president next year but would instead seek the lower-ranking post of prime minister.
The case at the Paris Court of Appeal will last until 12 February but a ruling is not expected before the summer, well ahead of next year's presidential vote.
