In brief
Marine Le Pen announced she will stand in the 2027 French presidential election and is taking her embezzlement conviction to the Court of Cassation. The Paris appeal court judged her guilty of misusing €2.8m of EU funds but allowed her to run while wearing an electronic tag. Le Pen’s move could backfire if the high court rejects her appeal, as campaigning with a tag would prove difficult. Her announcement immediately sparked discussions about the future of the National Rally and the potential partnership with party president Jordan Bardella.
Marine Le Pen declares 2027 presidential bid amid conviction appeal
Marine Le Pen, the long‑time leader of France’s National Rally, revealed on national television that she intends to challenge for the presidency in 2027. The announcement follows a recent Paris appeal court decision that found her guilty of misusing €2.8m in EU funds in a sham job‑creation scheme.
“I can’t campaign with a tag,” Le Pen said in a steely interview, adding that she would pursue every legal avenue to defend her innocence. The court, however, ruled that she could take on the 2027 campaign while wearing an electronic tag for a year.
Le Pen has now asked the Court of Cassation – France’s top civil court – to overturn the conviction. A ruling against her could prevent her from campaigning effectively, yet she remains resolute. “There is no scenario where I won’t run,” she said, underscoring her determination to “begin the rebirth of France” without delay.
The political gamble tightens the timeline before the first round of electoral voting, scheduled for 18 April and 2 May 2027. If the Court confirms the appeal court’s verdict, Le Pen could become the only presidential candidate bound by a year‑long electronic monitoring, a factor that may influence voters’ perception and the National Rally’s campaign strategy.
