A Paris appeals court is set to rule on Tuesday in Marine Le Pen’s embezzlement case, a decision that could determine whether the far-right leader is eligible to stand in France’s 2027 presidential election.
The case, involving allegations of misuse of European Parliament funds by Le Pen and members of her National Rally party, centres on claims that EU money allocated for parliamentary assistants was used instead to pay party staff between 2004 and 2016, reports AP.
Le Pen, 57, is appealing a March 2025 conviction that found her guilty of the charges and imposed a prison sentence (suspended pending appeal) along with a five-year ban on holding elected office.
She has denied wrongdoing and remains a potential candidate for a fourth presidential bid, though the court’s decision could reshape the political landscape, including the prospects of her party’s next generation of leadership.
One possible outcome is a full acquittal, which would clear Le Pen of all charges and allow her to proceed without restriction.
During the appeal hearing, she acknowledged what she described as a “mistake,” while arguing that staff paid as EU parliamentary aides also carried out work for the party, then known as the National Front, and that she believed the arrangements were permitted. She also criticised European Parliament officials for failing to warn her party earlier.
Her lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut, told judges that the case represented a test of whether her political career could continue or end.
Even in the event of acquittal, prosecutors would retain the option to appeal to France’s Court of Cassation, the country’s highest court, potentially prolonging legal uncertainty around the case.
However, a reduced sentence is also possible, including a ban of two years or less on holding elected office, which would expire before the first round of the presidential election scheduled for April 2027.
Such an outcome would not automatically restore her candidacy, as any remaining judicial restrictions, including prison terms or monitoring measures, could complicate a national campaign.
Le Pen herself has suggested she would not run under conditions that prevent her from campaigning freely, saying she could not be dependent on judicial approval to hold rallies or public meetings.
A more severe ruling is also possible, with prosecutors seeking a four-year prison sentence, including three suspended, and a five-year ban on holding elected office. They have accused Le Pen of leading a system designed to divert EU funds to benefit her party.
Although prosecutors did not request it, the appeals court could still order the ban to take immediate effect, as in the original ruling.
If that occurs, Le Pen could again appeal to the Court of Cassation, though it remains unclear whether such an appeal would suspend the sentence. The top court has indicated it would aim to rule before the 2027 election if called upon.
Le Pen has warned that prolonged legal uncertainty could affect her ability to mount a viable campaign. She has said presidential races effectively begin months in advance, requiring early mobilisation, fundraising and the collection of 500 endorsements from elected officials to qualify for the ballot.
She has argued that a delayed final ruling could make it impossible to run effectively, even if later cleared. “If I’m prevented from running but the Court of Cassation rules in my favour three or four months later, it will be too late to conduct a proper presidential campaign,” she said.
