Marine Le Pen stakes her presidential future on RN appeal trial

Tuesday 13 January 2026 - 07:30

By: Sahili Aya

Marine Le Pen stakes her presidential future on RN appeal trial

Marine Le Pen’s political future is hanging in the balance as the appeal trial involving her, the Rassemblement National (RN), and several co-defendants opens in Paris. The proceedings represent a decisive moment for the far-right leader, whose eligibility to run in France’s 2027 presidential election is at stake.

The trial, scheduled to run until mid-February, follows a first-instance conviction that found Le Pen guilty of misusing public funds. She was sentenced to a prison term, a substantial fine, and most significantly, a period of ineligibility from holding public office, applied with immediate effect. This sanction currently prevents her from standing in any election, including a potential presidential bid.

To clear the path toward another presidential campaign, Le Pen must secure either an acquittal or a reduced ineligibility sentence. Since the ban has already begun to take effect, any reduction would be critical to restoring her political rights in time for the 2027 race. A final ruling from the appeal court is expected during the summer.

The case centers on allegations that funds allocated by the European Parliament to pay parliamentary assistants were instead used to finance party activities over several years. Prosecutors argue that this system benefited the party rather than legitimate parliamentary work, causing significant financial damage to European institutions.

While Le Pen maintains her innocence, her defense strategy in the appeal is expected to focus more on the absence of criminal intent rather than outright denial of the facts. Even if the court confirms her guilt, she could still remain eligible for the presidency provided the ineligibility period is limited and certain custodial measures are lifted.

Meanwhile, public opinion has shifted. Recent surveys suggest growing support for RN president Jordan Bardella as a potential presidential candidate, with many voters now viewing him as a more viable contender than Le Pen. Despite this, she has reiterated that she intends to run again if legally permitted, while acknowledging Bardella as a credible alternative should she be barred.