Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s far-right National Rally (RN), is facing a significant legal challenge that could affect her bid for the presidency in 2027. A Paris Court of Appeals has announced it will issue a verdict by the summer of 2026 in Le Pen’s case involving alleged embezzlement of European Union funds. The timing of the court’s ruling will be crucial, as it could determine whether Le Pen is eligible to run for office or if a substitute will need to lead the far-right campaign in the upcoming elections.

Le Pen’s Fight to Stay in the Race

Despite facing legal hurdles, Le Pen remains determined to continue her political career. In 2022, she was convicted of embezzling EU funds, with accusations that her party misused money intended for European Parliament-related activities. Le Pen and her allies have consistently denied the charges, calling the case politically motivated.

In response to her conviction, Le Pen vowed to press on with her campaign for the presidency, criticizing France’s political establishment for what she views as attempts to sabotage her chances. However, on Monday, the court handed down a decision banning Le Pen from running for any public office for five years, effective immediately. While this ruling is a significant blow to her political aspirations, it does not remove her from her current position in the National Assembly, and she will continue to serve as a member of parliament while awaiting the outcome of her appeal.

Le Pen’s legal team has expressed confidence that the appeal could result in a reversal or reduction of her sentence. If successful, the appeal might clear the path for Le Pen to run in the 2027 presidential election. However, until the court reaches its final verdict, her political future remains uncertain.

The Court’s Verdict Timing and Its Political Implications

The timing of the court’s verdict in 2026 is critical, as it could determine whether Le Pen can participate in the 2027 presidential election. If the court decides to suspend the “immediate effect” clause of the ruling, Le Pen could resume her candidacy and potentially lead the far-right’s campaign in the race. However, if the court upholds the ban, she may be forced to step aside or reconsider her position.

Le Pen’s lawyer, Robin Binsard, called the decision to delay the verdict a “cautious move” by the court. He explained that the decision would help minimize public backlash while allowing the court to preserve its legal authority. Binsard also suggested that the delay might soften the impact of the ruling, giving Le Pen more time to prepare for a potential run in 2027, if the court eventually clears her.

Le Pen’s legal troubles have thrown a wrench into her plans, but they also provide an opportunity for the far-right National Rally to strategize and assess its options. If Le Pen is barred from running, the party could turn to a younger candidate, such as Jordan Bardella, the current leader of the party’s youth wing, to carry the torch for the 2027 election. Bardella has been seen as a potential successor to Le Pen, and his involvement in the far-right campaign could signal a shift in the party’s leadership.

Legal Fallout for the National Rally

The embezzlement case that has ensnared Le Pen also involves several other individuals and party members. Investigators have alleged that National Rally officials used European Parliament funds for domestic political staffing and other expenses unrelated to the Parliament’s activities. The case has cast a shadow over the party and raised questions about its financial practices.

Despite the legal challenges, Le Pen has maintained that the case is politically motivated, arguing that it is part of an effort by the political establishment to undermine her and her party. She insists that she has not committed any wrongdoing and continues to frame the charges as a smear campaign orchestrated by her political opponents.

The legal fallout from the embezzlement case has broader implications for the National Rally. While the party remains a powerful force in French politics, it could face further scrutiny and challenges in the run-up to the 2027 election. The case has already damaged Le Pen’s image, and the longer it drags on, the more it could erode her support among voters.

What’s Next for Marine Le Pen?

With her presidential ambitions hanging in the balance, Le Pen is facing a tough road ahead. The court’s decision will play a pivotal role in shaping her future political career. If the court clears her of the charges or suspends the ban, she will have an opportunity to run for president in 2027 and continue her fight for the French presidency. However, if the ban is upheld, she may be forced to step aside, potentially paving the way for a new leader to take charge of the far-right campaign.

While the uncertainty surrounding her candidacy is a challenge, Le Pen remains committed to her cause. She continues to voice her criticism of the French political establishment and her belief that the charges against her are part of a broader effort to discredit her and her party. As the legal battle continues, the far-right movement in France will be watching closely to see whether Le Pen can overcome these legal obstacles and return to the political forefront.