Key facts
- Marine Le Pen stated she will not run for president in 2027 if ordered to wear an electronic bracelet.
- The decision hinges on an appeal ruling regarding her alleged misuse of European Union funds.
- A previous ruling in March 2025 found her guilty and imposed a five-year ban from elected office and two years of house arrest with an electronic bracelet.
- Le Pen denies the accusations, calling them a fraudulent system.
- If barred, her protege Jordan Bardella is seen as a likely successor.
- The appeal court's verdict is expected on Tuesday.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has stated she will not run for president in 2027 if a Paris appeals court orders her to wear an electronic bracelet as part of a sentence for alleged misuse of European Union funds. The appeals court is set to deliver its verdict on Tuesday.
Le Pen, 57, is challenging a March 2025 ruling that found her and other members of her National Rally party guilty of misusing EU Parliament funds between 2004 and 2016. The initial ruling imposed a five-year ban from holding elected office and two years of house arrest with an electronic bracelet, alongside a fine for Le Pen and the party.
She has denied the accusations, asserting that she was at the center of a fraudulent system designed to siphon off EU funds. Le Pen stated that if she is allowed to be a candidate but is effectively prevented from campaigning freely, it would not be possible to run. She specifically cited the dependency on a judge to authorize campaign activities as a barrier.
If she is unable to run, her 30-year-old protege, Jordan Bardella, who leads the National Rally, is widely considered the likely successor. Le Pen described their relationship as complementary, highlighting her experience and Bardella's dynamism and energy.
France's next presidential election is scheduled for April 18, 2027, with a runoff on May 2. Le Pen is considered a top contender to succeed President Emmanuel Macron.