The conviction of French far right leader Marine Le Pen and immediate ban on standing for political office has stunned her movement, sparked impassioned reactions abroad and added further uncertainty to the 2027 presidential race.

Here are five takeaways from the verdict which appears set to mark a turning point in modern French political history:

The verdict, as it stands, would mean that Le Pen would be unable to run in 2027 presidential elections where she would have her fourth and likely best ever chance of winning the Elysee.

But she can appeal, and if that fails, she already has a clear "plan-B" in the shape of the National Rally (RN) party leader Jordan Bardella, who would take her place as candidate.

Attacking what Le Pen described as a "political decision", the RN's leaders insisted that they could emerge from the situation strengthened.

"Don't be intimidated. Don't be demoralised... We will win," Le Pen said in a typically combative appearance before her MPs in parliament Tuesday.

Bardella predicted in a radio interview that "millions of people" who did not normally vote for the RN would switch their allegiance to Le........

© International Business Times