I think the GP's sentiment is more around the fact she cannot run for office, not that she isn't sitting in jail.
IMO, let her run, but still put her in jail. If the electorate still chooses her as the best option then it's hard to get away from the continued will of the majority. Don't let her out, but give the people who (and what) they wanted.
Actually I wouldn't have an issue with that had she been convicted of, say, assault. In that case it would be reasonable for the electorate to decide if her being convicted of assault makes her illegible in their eyes.
But here she has been convicted of fraudulent use of EU money to fund here own party. That money could be used to buy her votes.
France, and most EU countries I think, have strict laws about funding of political parties and campaigns in order to have a level playing field and prevent rich candidates / parties having an undue advantage. If politicians could illegally fund their campaigns beyond what is authorized that could be used to unfairly influence the vote.
> If the electorate still chooses her as the best option then it's hard to get away from the continued will of the majority.
This wouldn't work, there's an obvious loophole:
1. Commit crimes to get elected.
2. If you're caught and sent to prison, offer your supporters campaign money and political favors to vote for you.
3. Once elected, use the powers of your office to pardon yourself, reward your followers, and jail your opponents.
You could do something like: offer your billionaire friends control over government agencies that regulate their industries, and in return they could run sweepstakes where they offer your voters a chance to win $1M if they vote for you.
IMO, let her run, but still put her in jail. If the electorate still chooses her as the best option then it's hard to get away from the continued will of the majority. Don't let her out, but give the people who (and what) they wanted.