France: Court ruling today could decide if Le Pen can run for president in 2027

The Paris Court of Appeal is set to deliver its verdict today on Marine Le Pen, a decision that will significantly shape the landscape of next year's French presidential election. The core question is whether the 57-year-old far-right leader will be eligible to run for president following the ruling in a case concerning alleged misuse of funds.

In the initial ruling, Le Pen was stripped of her passive electoral rights for five years, a decision that immediately barred her from running. The court is scheduled to announce its findings at 1:30 PM, after which Le Pen plans to declare her intentions regarding a presidential bid at 8:00 PM.

The legal proceedings revolve around accusations that between 2004 and 2016, MEPs from Le Pen's party received funds for parliamentary assistants who, in part, allegedly worked for the National Rally party. Le Pen has denied responsibility for these actions. The party and eleven other defendants are also facing charges.

Several outcomes are possible for Le Pen. Acquittal, though considered unlikely, would theoretically allow her to run. However, if prosecutors appeal, the Court of Cassation's decision, expected before the election, could still politically damage her. A conviction resulting in a prison sentence without an electoral ban might allow her to run, but practicalities, such as restrictions from an electronic tag, could make campaigning difficult. A two-year ban on passive electoral rights could present a scenario where she might risk a candidacy.