Moment of destiny for France’s Le Pen in verdict to decide her future in presidential race

France is in a state of nervous excitement as it awaits Tuesday's court verdict that will determine whether nationalist frontrunner Marine Le Pen can stand in next year's presidential election.

But if the appeal court in Paris follows last year's initial verdict in her trial for misuse of European parliamentary funds, then Le Pen will be declared ineligible for public office and her political hopes will be in ruins.

After deliberating for four months, the court will rule whether to confirm, overturn or adapt the verdict and sentence handed down on Le Pen in March 2025.