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Marine Le Pen cleared to run in 2027 French presidential election despite conviction
A Paris Court of Appeal confirmed Marine Le Pen’s conviction for the misappropriation of European Union funds, sentencing her to three years in prison, of which one year will be served under an electronic ankle bracelet. The court reduced her ineligibility period from five years to 45 months, with 30 months suspended, effectively restoring her eligibility for the 2027 French presidential election. Le Pen announced she will stand as a candidate, launched her campaign in La Fleche, and said she will campaign without the bracelet while she appeals the decision to the Cour de Cassation, which suspends execution of the sentence. She emphasized “the freedom of voters” and paired her campaign with party leader Jordan Bardella, who is expected to become prime minister if she wins. The ruling also noted that the scheme diverted over €4 million of EU assistant‑pay funds to the National Rally. Public reaction was mixed, with supporters cheering and opponents protesting the candidacy.