French far-right leader Le Pen says will run in 2027 presidential election

Marine Le Pen Announces 2027 Presidential Bid After Appeals Court Eases Ban

Marine Le Pen, leader of France's National Rally party, has announced she will run in the 2027 presidential election, hours after an appeals court ruled she could stand despite her conviction for embezzling European Union funds. The court upheld the conviction but shortened the ban on holding public office, allowing her to campaign while wearing an electronic ankle tag.

In an interview with broadcaster TF1, Le Pen said: "I am a candidate in the presidential election. I will not change my mind." She added that she would appeal the conviction to the Court of Cassation, France's highest civil court, and that the sentence would be suspended while the appeal is heard, meaning she would not have to campaign with the tag.

Appeals Court Ruling

The Paris Court of Appeal reduced Le Pen's sentence to three years: two suspended and one year wearing an electronic bracelet. The court also shortened her ban from public office to 45 months, with 30 suspended. The active portion of the ban was backdated to March 2025, meaning she has already served 15 months and is now eligible to run.

The original ruling in March 2025 had imposed a five-year disqualification from public office and a two-year prison sentence, which would have barred her from the 2027 race. The appeals court's decision on July 7, 2026, kept her path to the presidency open, though subject to the electronic monitoring condition.

Le Pen had previously stated she would not campaign while wearing an electronic tag. However, she said on TF1: "Since I have the option of appealing … and the government is suspending the effects of the ruling, I will therefore campaign without an electronic tag."

Le Pen's Political Background and Party Stance

The National Rally party, founded by Le Pen's father, opposes globalisation and immigration, and advocates for stricter border controls and reduced ecological policies. Le Pen has run for president three times: third in 2012, and reaching the run-off against Emmanuel Macron in 2017 and 2022. Macron is serving his second and final term, and the next election must be held within a constitutional window before the end of his mandate.

Potential Running Mate: Jordan Bardella

Le Pen's protege, Jordan Bardella, has been widely discussed as a potential successor or running mate. At 30, Bardella is 27 years younger than Le Pen, popular, and more savvy on social media. While Le Pen has announced her candidacy, some analysts had speculated she might hand the reins to Bardella. National Rally lawmaker Jean-Philippe Tanguy said on BFM TV: "It's like Russian nesting dolls. Jordan Bardella is part of Marine Le Pen's political doctrine, and he's committed to her."

Election Dates

France's next presidential election is scheduled for April 18 and May 2, 2027, according to an executive source cited by France 24. The dates were confirmed by local media reports, with an official announcement expected in the Council of Ministers the following day.

Reactions and Context

The appeals court ruling and Le Pen's subsequent announcement have drawn attention across Europe, where right-wing forces have been watching closely. The decision effectively clears the way for Le Pen to mount her fourth presidential campaign, though her legal battles may continue with the cassation appeal.

Le Pen's conviction stemmed from a scheme involving fake jobs at the European Parliament, which prosecutors said misused €2.8 million (£2.4 million) in EU funds. The court's decision to uphold the conviction while easing the ban reflects a compromise between accountability and electoral participation.