Le Pen stuck on French election sidelines until July 7

 

Le Pen stuck on French election sidelines until July 7

As of February 2026, Marine Le Pen is effectively sidelined from the French presidential campaign until July 7, 2026, when a French appeals court is scheduled to rule on her conviction for misusing EU funds.

 

Key Details for 2026:

Legal Status: Le Pen is appealing a November 2024 ruling that included a five-year ban from holding public office. If this ban is upheld on July 7, she will be ineligible to run in the 2027 presidential election.

National Rally (RN) Strategy: While awaiting the verdict, the party is preparing two separate campaign strategies—one for Le Pen and a "Plan B" for her protégé Jordan Bardella, who is currently handling major public appearances and meetings.

Upcoming Elections: France will hold municipal elections on March 15 and 22, 2026. While Bardella is actively campaigning for candidates in these races, Le Pen remains largely restricted to her legal defense until the summer decision.

Le Pen has stated she will make a final decision on her candidacy once the appeal decision is delivered and has hinted she may not fight a ban if the court upholds it to avoid jeopardizing the party's chances in 2027.