French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has announced that she will refrain from running for president next year if a Paris appeals court orders her to wear an electronic bracelet due to alleged misuse of European Union funds. The court is expected to deliver a significant verdict on this matter on Tuesday.
Le Pen, 57, is contesting a March 2025 ruling that found she and other members of her National Rally party misused EU Parliament funds. This misuse involved hiring aides from 2004 to 2016 whose duties were allegedly directed towards party activities rather than parliamentary responsibilities. Should she be convicted again, possible sanctions include a ban on holding elected office and the requirement to wear an electronic tag, among others.
In a recent interview with LCI Channel, Le Pen stated, “If I can be a candidate, I will be a candidate, provided that I can campaign.” She emphasised that being a candidate while being unable to campaign freely would hinder her ability to participate effectively in the election process. When asked whether an electronic bracelet would constitute a significant barrier, she responded affirmatively, expressing concern about being reliant on judicial authorisation to conduct campaign activities.
In March 2025, a Paris court ruled that Le Pen was at the centre of a “fraudulent system” that facilitated the misappropriation of €2.9 million in European Parliament funding. As a result, she received a five-year ban from holding elected office, as well as a two-year house arrest during which she would be required to wear an electronic bracelet.
Le Pen has consistently denied allegations that she operated a fraudulent scheme to divert EU funds. The first round of France’s next presidential election is scheduled for 18 April, with a runoff planned for 2 May.
“If I cannot be a candidate, I will explore every available avenue of appeal,” Le Pen remarked. She may appeal to the Court of Cassation, which evaluates whether lower courts adhered to legal procedures rather than reassessing the factual aspects of the case. The Court of Cassation’s process may take approximately six months to reach a verdict.
Should she be permitted to run, Le Pen is widely regarded as a leading candidate to succeed centrist President Emmanuel Macron in the 2027 election. If she is unable to proceed, her protégé, Jordan Bardella, 30, would likely become the candidate. Regarding their differences, Le Pen noted her established experience in the political arena, while acknowledging Bardella’s remarkable energy and dynamism. “We are complementary. I believe I have a certain experience, but Jordan has an absolutely incredible dynamism; he has the strength and energy of his youth,” she stated.
This article used information from The Associated Press.
