Marine Le Pen officially launched her campaign for the 2027 French presidential election on Thursday, hours after a court ruled she no longer had to wear an electronic monitoring tag. The decision removes a major legal obstacle that had threatened to derail her bid for the Élysée Palace.
Court Ruling Lifts Monitoring Condition
On Wednesday, the Paris Court of Appeal annulled the condition requiring Le Pen to wear an electronic bracelet, imposed as part of a 2024 conviction for misuse of public funds. The court stated that the measure was no longer necessary given her compliance with other judicial requirements. Le Pen, 57, had worn the tag since March 2025 after being found guilty of embezzling European Parliament funds to pay National Rally (RN) party staff.
The original sentence included a five-year ban on holding public office, but that was suspended pending appeal. The removal of the tag allows Le Pen to campaign freely without the stigma of the monitoring device.
Campaign Launch at Lille Rally
Speaking to thousands of supporters in Lille, Le Pen declared, "Today, a new page opens. I am ready to lead France toward a future of sovereignty and security." She outlined a platform centered on immigration control, national identity, and economic protectionism. Her campaign slogan, "For the France of the People," echoes her 2022 message but with a sharper focus on cost-of-living issues.
Le Pen finished second to Emmanuel Macron in both 2017 and 2022, but polls suggest she has a strong chance in 2027, with Macron term-limited and the opposition fragmented. A recent Ifop survey gave Le Pen 31% of first-round voting intentions, ahead of any other candidate.
Legal Battles Persist
While the electronic tag issue is resolved, Le Pen still faces an appeal hearing in November 2026 for the embezzlement conviction itself. If upheld, the office ban could be reactivated, potentially barring her from running. Her lawyers argue the conviction was politically motivated. The prosecution has called for a 10-year ban, which would exclude her from the 2027 race.
Legal experts note that the timing of the appeal—just months before the election—could create uncertainty. However, Le Pen dismissed concerns, saying, "The French people will decide, not the judges."
Political Fallout
The court's decision drew sharp reactions. Government spokesperson Olivia Grégoire said, "No one is above the law, but judicial independence must be respected." Meanwhile, far-right rival Éric Zemmour accused Le Pen of benefiting from a "lenient judiciary."
Le Pen's campaign launch solidifies her position as the leading candidate of the far right, but she faces internal challenges from a younger generation within the RN, including her niece Marion Maréchal, who has hinted at a potential run. The 2027 election is scheduled for April and May 2027.
