The French Court of Appeal upheld Marine Le Pen's conviction but opened the possibility for her to run in next year's presidential election if she wears an electronic monitoring bracelet. This is reported by Euractiv, writes UNN.
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It is noted that this decision changes the situation ahead of next year's presidential election, as most of her political opponents did not expect her to be able to participate in the race.
Earlier, Le Pen stated that she would not conduct an election campaign if forced to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet, which could entail restrictions on her movement.
"The judge responsible for executing the sentence must summon her and determine the conditions, which could be quite strict," said a former judge of the French financial prosecutor's office.
"She may be prohibited from leaving the house or allowed to go out only at certain hours, but the judge has broad discretion. The purpose of electronic monitoring is to allow a person to continue working. She can cite her participation in the presidential election during this assessment. This could simply mean that she must sleep at home."
The 57-year-old Le Pen was appealing the verdict of March 31, 2025, in a case concerning the misappropriation of European Parliament funds related to the use of parliamentary assistants by the National Rally party.
The Paris court of first instance imposed an immediate five-year ban on holding public office, which prevented her from running in the presidential election in April 2027, even during the appeal process.
She was also sentenced to four years in prison, two of which were suspended, and a fine of 100,000 euros.
ECtHR rejected Le Pen's application to restore her right to participate in elections10.07.25, 05:54
In a long-awaited decision, judges of the Paris Court of Appeal ruled on Tuesday that Le Pen remains guilty and upheld the punishment of a 45-month ban on holding public office.
However, the judges suspended the execution of 30 months of this term, leaving 15 months, which are counted from March of last year. Thus, this period is already considered served, and Le Pen can register her candidacy for the presidential election if she decides to do so.
The court also upheld the fine of 100,000 euros and imposed a three-year prison sentence, of which two years are suspended, and one year can be served under electronic monitoring with a bracelet.
According to BFM, the judges emphasized the need to "respect the freedom to run for election without limiting the choice of voters."
Le Pen is also scheduled to appear on the evening news broadcast of the French television channel TF1, where she is expected to explain whether she herself will represent the party in the 2027 presidential election or whether Bardella will do so.
Political analysts stated that the decision could strengthen Le Pen's position, allowing her to present herself as a politician who overcame an attempt to derail her presidential ambitions through the courts.
French prosecutors demand Marine Le Pen be banned from elections for five years04.02.26, 02:13