Ferrand ended up with an unlikely assist from the far-right National Rally, which decided to abstain rather than vote against his appointment. National Rally spokesperson Bryan Masson told reporters that Ferrand had “reassured” far-right lawmakers during his confirmation hearing.
The party has a particularly vested interest in the makeup of the next Conseil Constitutionnel, as the court is set to rule on a case that will directly impact National Rally leader Marine Le Pen’s ability to stand in the next presidential election.
Le Pen has been on trial for allegedly taking part in an embezzlement scheme and prosecutors have asked that she be banned from running for public office for the next five years and that the sentence be immediately executed — even if she appeals.
The court is set to rule whether enforcing an ineligibility ruling before a defendant has exhausted their appeals undermines the constitutionally guaranteed right of voters to freely choose their representatives. That judgment will likely come before the Le Pen verdict, which is slated for late March.
