In brief
Marine Le Pen, head of France’s National Rally, announced she will run for president in the 2027 election while her appeal against a recent court conviction remains pending. The court found her guilty of misusing EU funds in a fictitious jobs scheme, but allowed her to stand for office under an electronic tag. Le Pen vows to pursue all legal avenues, ensuring she can continue her campaign once the Court of Cassation reaches a decision. Her decision marks a decisive gamble that may shape the political narrative ahead of France’s next presidential election.
Marine Le Pen Announces 2027 Presidential Bid Amid Court Battle
Far‑right France leader Marine Le Pen revealed today that she will campaign for the 2027 presidential election, even as she fights a court ruling that convicted her of misusing €2.8 million in EU funds.
The Paris appeal court found her guilty of embezzlement linked to a fake jobs scheme, but ruled she can still stand for office while wearing an electronic tag for a year. Le Pen said she would pursue all legal avenues and stated, “I want to defend my innocence in every possible way.”
The case will now be taken to France’s top civil court, the Court of Cassation, which will likely take a few months to issue its decision. If the appeal is upheld, Le Pen may find herself campaigning with a tag, adding a potential handicap to her campaign.
Her announcement ends speculation that she might defer the candidacy to party figure Jordan Bardella, who is 30 and a rising star within the National Rally. Speaking with TF1 TV, Le Pen called her partnership with Bardella “a solid partnership that complements each other.”
The far‑right leader assured the public that she would not withdraw her candidacy, stating, “There is no scenario in which I would not run – I am here tonight to confirm my candidacy for 2027.”
The court’s decision will be pivotal for French politics, as the 2027 election approaches in early spring. A conviction requiring an electronic tag could present a unique obstacle for Le Pen’s campaign, but her determination to stay in the race signals a bold gamble that might reshape the country’s political landscape.
