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As French far-right leader Marine Le Pen’s appeal trial ends, her presidential bid is at stake
The court's ruling will determine if Marine Le Pen’s five-year ban for misusing over €4 million in EU funds stands, impacting her 2027 presidential candidacy.
- On Feb 11 at a Paris appeals court, Marine Le Pen's lawyers told judges she had no intent to offend as the final day will decide her 2027 presidential eligibility.
- After a conviction, Le Pen was hit with a five-year ban from public office; judges ruled that between 2004 and 2016, funds meant for European Parliament work were diverted to party staff, with more than €4 million misappropriated.
- Last week prosecutors sought a five-year ban but eased an earlier, broader demand, while Le Pen hopes the appeal will overturn or reduce the ban so she can contest 2027.
- If barred, RN president Jordan Bardella is expected to run in her place, and a decision near the spring 2027 vote risks upending the party's strategy.
- The Cour de Cassation has said it would try to rule on any final appeal before the election, creating pressure to resolve eligibility ahead of the 2027 election.
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27 Articles
27 Articles
Still Standing on February 12, 2026
While Marine Le Pen faces a penalty of ineligibility – the prosecutor's office required four years in prison, including a firm year, and five years of ineligibility – preventing him from running for office in the presidential election of 2027, this date was very expected.
·France
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources27
Leaning Left10Leaning Right4Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Left
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources lean Left
46% Left
L 46%
C 36%
R 18%
Factuality
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