Revision against verdict: Le Pen starts election campaign without ankle bracelets

Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s far-right National Rally party, has begun her presidential campaign without the ankle bracelet she was previously ordered to wear following a conviction for misusing EU funds. The French Supreme Court announced it will rule on her appeal before the upcoming presidential election, which is set for early spring 2027. This decision allows Le Pen to proceed with her campaign unimpeded, pending the outcome of legal proceedings. The court had previously ruled that the one-year suspended prison sentence with an ankle bracelet would not be enforced until after its final judgment. Le Pen had publicly stated she would not conduct her campaign while wearing such a device. The ruling comes amid ongoing legal battles over the severity of her punishment. The initial conviction, handed down in March 2025, imposed a five-year ban on running for office. However, the appellate court reduced this to a 15-month suspension of voting rights, which Le Pen has already served since the beginning of 2025. The Supreme Court has indicated it will issue its verdict on Le Pen’s appeal by early April, ensuring the decision falls before the first round of the presidential election on April 18, 2027. If the court upholds the appellate ruling, the ankle bracelet condition would remain in place until several weeks after the election. Should the court confirm the original conviction, however, the enforcement of the ankle bracelet could come into effect shortly before the polls open. This timing is crucial, as the legal process surrounding the execution of the sentence will likely take several weeks to finalize. If Le Pen were elected president, she would gain immunity from prosecution, meaning the ankle bracelet requirement would be postponed until after her term ends. This potential scenario raises questions about the balance between justice and political freedom. Legal experts have noted that the case highlights the complex interplay between judicial rulings and electoral politics, particularly in a country where public sentiment often influences legal outcomes. The charges against Le Pen stem from allegations of misuse of EU funds between 2004 and 2016. These included the employment of parliamentary assistants, including a bodyguard, who worked for the party rather than for the EU. While Le Pen's defense denied the accusations, they argued that the actions did not constitute a criminal offense. The appellate court partially overturned the original conviction, citing concerns over the compatibility of the sentence with fundamental citizen rights. The legal battle reflects broader tensions within French society regarding the role of the judiciary in political matters. As the presidential race heats up, the outcome of Le Pen’s appeal will not only determine her personal circumstances but also shape the political landscape ahead of the election. With polls showing her leading with over 30% support, the resolution of this case could significantly impact her campaign strategy and voter perception.