Le Pen to Run for French President in 2027, Appeals Embezzlement Conviction

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has announced her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election, while simultaneously appealing a conviction for embezzlement that requires her to wear an electronic tag for one year.

In a combative interview on French television, Le Pen stated: 'I cannot campaign with a tag.' The National Rally leader said she intends to pursue all legal avenues to defend her innocence in the case. Hours earlier, a Paris appeal court had found her guilty of misusing €2.8 million in EU funds through a fake jobs scheme between 2004 and 2016. The court ruled that she could stand for the presidency while wearing the tag.

Le Pen is now taking her case to France's highest civil court, the Court of Cassation. Public prosecutors have also stated they will appeal the court's decision. The announcement ends months of speculation that Le Pen might hand the candidacy to party president Jordan Bardella, aged 30.

Asked if there was a scenario in which she might not run, Le Pen replied: 'No, there isn't. I am here tonight to tell you I am candidate for the 2027 elections.' She said her campaign would start immediately to 'begin the rebirth of France' and that she would not change her mind.

Although Le Pen maintains her innocence, she and several party colleagues have now been convicted twice of the scam. Le Pen earlier admitted the scheme was 'a mistake' but denied organising it. The court confirmed that funds meant for European Parliament members were used to pay party staff.

Le Pen's announcement comes less than ten months before the first round of the French presidential elections, scheduled for 18 April and 2 May 2027.