French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was cleared to run in the 2027 presidential election on Friday, despite her embezzlement conviction being upheld. This week also saw the days-long funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran and stunning performances by football stars Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Marine Le Pen's Presidential Candidacy
On July 7, 2026, an appeals court confirmed Le Pen's eligibility to compete in the upcoming election, a decision that has sparked mixed reactions within French politics. Le Pen, who has been a prominent figure in the far-right movement, expressed her gratitude for the ruling, stating, "I am ready to serve the French people again." Her protégé, Jordan Bardella, appeared less enthusiastic during the announcement.
Despite her conviction for embezzlement, Le Pen's political career continues to thrive, as she remains a formidable candidate in the upcoming elections. This decision has significant implications for the political landscape in France as the nation gears up for the 2027 election.
Khamenei's Funeral and Its Impact
The funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei took place this week, drawing thousands of mourners to the streets of Iran. His coffin was carried to the Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf, Iraq, before being returned to Iran for burial. The ceremonies were marked by emotional tributes and widespread public displays of mourning.
