Giulia Romano Topics Covered
The leader of France's far-right party, Marine Le Pen, has declared that she will not participate in the 2027 presidential election unless an appeals court overturns her current ban on running for office. This decision comes amid legal uncertainty surrounding her political status.
Le Pen, who has already attempted to run for president three times, will appear before the judges on January 13, after appealing a conviction for misappropriation of European Parliament funds, a charge she has always denied.
Following the ruling, the court imposed an immediate five-year ban on her running for office, a decision that could be overturned on appeal.
Le Pen's political future
If the conviction is upheld, Le Pen has stated that she will accept her fate and hand over leadership to Jordan Bardella, 30, considered her protégé. The leader has clearly expressed her desire not to procrastinate: "I don't want this situation to drag on," she said in an interview with RTL.
Timing and strategic choices
The appeals court is expected to issue a verdict in September, but the exact date will not be announced until the trial is concluded. This leaves Le Pen free to change her position if she wishes. However, she has already made it clear that it would be of little use to appeal to a higher court if the ruling were to arrive too late for an effective election campaign.
“If I cannot run and the [supreme court] rules in my favor only after a few months, it will be impossible to launch a proper electoral campaign,” Le Pen said, suggesting that her political strategy is closely tied to these legal decisions.
The prospects for Bardella
According to a recent poll conducted by Elabe, both Le Pen and Bardella are significantly ahead of their opponents in the first round of voting. This could indicate that the leadership transition could come at a favorable time for the right-wing party.
The possibility of a generational change within the party's leadership could usher in a new era for the French right, with Bardella representing a young and dynamic face capable of attracting a broader electorate. Le Pen, while unable to run, still has the opportunity to actively influence the political strategy and choices of her successor.
The legal and political context
Le Pen's legal situation isn't the only factor shaping the political climate in France. The recent legacy of the past and the daily challenges of French society continue to shape the country's laws and policies. Le Pen, though potentially in retreat, remains central to political debate.
Furthermore, as the political world shifts, some left-wing figures in Europe are trying to learn from Zohran Mamdani's campaign in New York, hoping to replicate his success in future local elections. This demonstrates how the European political landscape is constantly evolving and how any figure, including Le Pen, can have a lasting impact.