By Micah Jonah
January 13, 2026
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has begun a crucial appeal in Paris that will determine whether she can run in the 2027 presidential election. She was previously barred from public office over a conviction for misusing European Union funds.
In March, Le Pen received a five-year ban from holding public office after she and eight other former National Rally (RN) lawmakers were found guilty of misappropriating over €4 million ($4.67 million). The party and several parliamentary assistants were also found guilty of receiving the funds.
Le Pen maintains that the way she and her co-defendants used the money was legitimate. “My only line of defence for this appeal trial will be the same as during the first trial: telling the truth,” she said.
The hearing is scheduled to end on February 12, with a ruling expected before summer. If her ban is overturned or reduced, she could run in 2027; otherwise, RN party president Jordan Bardella is expected to step in.
Le Pen had initially received a four-year prison sentence, two years of which were suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Those penalties have not taken effect because of her appeal.
