French far-right leader Marine Le Pen begins an appeal in a Paris court on Tuesday that will determine whether she can run in the 2027 presidential election, or whether her protégé Jordan Bardella will instead take up the challenge.
Le Pen, three times a presidential candidate and one of France's most popular politicians, is currently barred from public office over a conviction for misusing EU funds.
Mr Bardella, 30, an MEP and president of the National Rally party, would be the obvious stand-in if the appeal does not go in Ms Le Pen's favour.
As he gave a new year's greetings in Paris recently, Mr Bardella, appeared irritated by questions asking if he would replace his political mentor as presidential candidacy.
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