In brief
Marine Le Pen has confirmed she will campaign for the 2027 French presidential election, insisting she could win even if she must wear an electronic tag. After a Paris appeal court ruled she was guilty of misusing €2.8 million in EU funds, she has appealed to France’s Court of Cassation. The move is a political gamble that could end speculation that her party’s junior leader, Jordan Bardella, would take the candidacy. Prosecutors too plan an appeal, and the final decision could arrive within months. Le Pen’s choice keeps the National Rally’s future and its potential impact on French politics under scrutiny.
French hard‑right leader Marine Le Pen has decided to campaign for the 2027 presidential election, while appealing a conviction that would require her to wear an electronic tag.
She told French TV that she cannot campaign while tagged and pledged to pursue every legal avenue to defend her innocence.
A Paris appeal court earlier this week found her guilty of misusing €2.8 million in EU funds in a fake jobs scheme, yet ruled she could stand for president while wearing a tag.
Le Pen will now appeal to France’s top civil court, the Court of Cassation.
The decision ends months of speculation that the National Rally’s 30‑year‑old leader, Jordan Bardella, might take the candidacy.
Prosecutors say they will also appeal.
Asked whether she would back down, she said: “No, there isn’t. I am here tonight to say I am the candidate for the 2027 elections.”
Her campaign will begin immediately, with she “begin the rebirth of France” and not change her mind.
Le Pen remains innocent, but she and colleagues have been found guilty twice of a scam she admitted was a “mistake”.
The Paris appeal court confirmed the initial ruling that from 2004‑2016 she and others siphoned funds intended for party members of the European Parliament and used them for staff pay.
Her announcement comes less than ten months before the first round of the 2027 French presidential elections on 18 April and 2 May.
If the Court of Cassation confirms the verdict, Le Pen could be required to wear an electronic tag as the campaign enters its most crucial phase early next year, a situation that could become both embarrassing and restrictive.
In the hours after the verdict, she held talks with Bardella, lawyers and colleagues before presenting her decision on TF1 TV studio.
She emphasised that Bardella has been with her for years and that the cause is larger than the two: “We both have beliefs – we both imagine this role seriously. And we have character… The tests have made us stronger, both in will and work quality.”
If elected, she stated she would work with Bardella – she as president, he as prime minister – citing a “solid partnership” that complements each other.
Le Pen had earlier said she would not run if forced to wear a tag, but now insists on proceeding regardless of the restrictions.
When asked what would happen if her appeal failed, she replied: “We will see. The French will be the judge. They’ll be free to choose.”
