French Court Shortens Marine Le Pen’s Electoral Ban, Orders Electronic Tag

A French appeals court ruled Tuesday to shorten far right leader Marine Le Pen’s electoral ban from five years to 45 months, with 30 of those months suspended. Since her ineligibility period began in March 2025, the effective ban has already ended, potentially reopening a path for her to run in France’s 2027 presidential election.

Electronic Tag Requirement Complicates Campaign Plans

The court sentenced Le Pen to three years in prison, two suspended, with the remaining year to be served wearing an electronic ankle tag instead of behind bars. She previously said she would be reluctant to run for president while under electronic monitoring, arguing it would interfere with campaigning, though she has not confirmed her final decision.

Conviction Tied to Misuse of EU Funds

The original case centered on Le Pen misappropriating more than €4 million in European Union funds to pay party staff. Her National Rally party was also fined €2 million, with €1 million suspended.

Succession Race Remains Fragmented

With President Emmanuel Macron unable to run again in 2027, polls show Le Pen’s National Rally leading a crowded field. Jean-Luc Mélenchon has confirmed his candidacy for the hard left, while former prime ministers Edouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal are among several centrist contenders. Many in France’s political mainstream worry the runoff could pit the far right against Mélenchon’s left.

On Monday , Bardella posted on X an emotional tribute to Le Pen;