The Paris Court of Appeal found Marine Le Pen guilty in the case of misappropriation of European Union funds but left open the possibility that she could run in France’s 2027 presidential election — provided she wears an electronic monitoring bracelet. Le Pen is expected to clarify her position on the evening of 7 July 2026, after leaving the courtroom without making any public statement following the ruling.
Guilty verdict and suspended sentence
Le Pen was convicted and sentenced to 45 months in prison for systematically misusing European Parliament funds — a charge stemming from her time as an MEP. Of that sentence, 30 months were suspended. She has already served 15 months, meaning she is theoretically free to continue her political activities and launch a presidential campaign, as her initial conviction occurred in March 2025. In addition, she was fined €100,000.
Bracelet condition for candidacy
According to the appellate court’s decision, Le Pen may stand as a presidential candidate in 2027 — but only while wearing an electronic ankle bracelet for one year. She has previously stated she does not wish to conduct a campaign under such conditions. However, she has not ruled out revising her stance. If she changes her mind, she would become the first presidential candidate — and potentially the first president — to run and serve while under electronic surveillance.
Key announcement expected tonight
Le Pen is scheduled to appear on TF1’s 8 p.m. (9 p.m. Greek time) news broadcast, where she is expected to confirm whether she or Jordan Bardella — her party’s current leader — will represent the National Rally in the 2027 election.
No immediate comment
Immediately after the verdict was announced, Le Pen left the courtroom and headed directly to the National Rally’s headquarters in Paris, declining to speak to journalists. One of her lawyers, Rodolphe Bosselut, spoke shortly afterward on BFM TV: “We’re reflecting on the decision in its entirety. We’ll say more later,” he said, adding, “We’re partly satisfied.”
Bracelet terms remain fluid
The court’s ruling stipulates that Le Pen must wear the electronic bracelet on her ankle for one year. However, according to Reuters, the precise conditions — including permitted hours outside her residence and curfew requirements — will be determined by the sentencing judge at a later stage. Those restrictions are expected to be stricter on weekends. Le Pen may petition for early removal of the device after several months, provided she demonstrates good conduct — a possibility confirmed by a source cited by the news agency.
Bardella returns to headquarters
Jordan Bardella, who had been in Strasbourg for a European Parliament plenary session, returned immediately to the National Rally’s headquarters in Paris. With the verdict now final, the decision on who will lead the party’s 2027 presidential bid rests squarely with Le Pen — though she has previously indicated she would not run if required to wear the bracelet.