A French appeals court has paved the way for far-right leader Marine Le Pen to contest the 2027 presidential election after reducing her ban from holding public office.
The court upheld her conviction for misusing public funds but shortened the disqualification period, while also ruling that she must serve part of her prison sentence under electronic monitoring.
The appeals court found Le Pen guilty of misusing European Parliament funds but reduced her ineligibility from five years to 45 months, with 30 months suspended.
The remaining 15 months are expected to be credited against the time that has already passed since the original ruling, effectively allowing her to seek elected office again.
Electronic monitoring ordered
The court also confirmed that Le Pen must serve a one-year prison sentence under electronic monitoring rather than in jail.
The ruling means she would wear an electronic ankle tag while serving the sentence.
2027 election plans back in focus
The decision significantly boosts Le Pen's chances of contesting the 2027 presidential race to succeed Emmanuel Macron, who is expected to leave office at the end of his term.
Le Pen had previously said she might step aside in favour of Jordan Bardella if legal restrictions prevented her from campaigning.
Following the verdict, Le Pen left the courtroom without speaking to reporters.
She is expected to outline her political plans during a televised interview later on Tuesday, including whether she will officially launch a presidential campaign.
