Marine Le Pen Appeals Conviction Affecting 2027 Presidential Candidacy in Paris Court

Marine Le Pen, leader of France's far-right National Rally, is appealing her 2024 conviction for misusing European Parliament funds, which included a five-year ban from holding elected office and a prison sentence. The appeal trial began in Paris on January 13, 2026, and is expected to conclude by February 12, with a ruling before summer. The outcome could determine her eligibility for the 2027 presidential election. If barred, her party president Jordan Bardella is seen as a potential successor. Le Pen maintains her innocence and hopes to overturn the ruling.