French appeals court upholds Marine Le Pen embezzlement conviction but shortens ban, allowing 2027 presidential bid while house arrest continues

France’s appeals court on Tuesday upheld the embezzlement conviction of Marine Le Pen, according to reporting, while shortening the term of the political ban that would have blocked her from seeking elected office. The ruling, issued in the context of a separate sentence involving house arrest, clears the way for Le Pen to pursue France’s 2027 presidential election despite ongoing restrictions on her movement.

The case centers on a 2025 conviction by the Paris Criminal Court that found Le Pen and other figures linked to her party, the National Rally, guilty of embezzling money connected to European Union parliamentary funds. Prosecutors alleged that millions of euros were used to pay aides for work described as tied to domestic political activity in France rather than legitimate parliamentary operations. Le Pen has denied any wrongdoing, the report said.

Le Pen’s original sentence, as described in the reporting, was five years in prison, with two years suspended and three years expected to be served under house arrest. Under French sentencing rules, the suspended portion functions as a warning. Separately, the conviction carried a five-year ban from running for political office, which would have barred her from competing in the 2027 presidential election.

Following Tuesday’s appeals decision, the court reduced Le Pen’s sentence to three years, with two years suspended and the remaining year to be carried out as house arrest, according to the report and a court statement obtained by the outlet. The report also said the appeals ruling shortened her ban from holding elected office, effectively removing the legal barrier to a 2027 presidential campaign.

The most immediate operational consequence appears to be the enforcement of the house-arrest restrictions, including a requirement to wear an ankle monitor. The reporting described the device as continuing for a period that would overlap with core campaigning time, potentially complicating in-person events and travel during the election run-up.

Le Pen’s embezzlement conviction being upheld means the conviction remains part of the public record while she faces ongoing restrictions. In practical terms for the campaign infrastructure and schedule, her participation would likely depend on what the monitoring conditions allow, including timing for meetings, court-adjacent obligations, and the extent to which authorized movement can be secured under the supervision of authorities.

The reporting also noted that some supporters and critics outside the courtroom reacted to the ruling, highlighting the likelihood that the legal process and its political implications will remain a focus of public debate. However, the appeals court’s legal determinations determine her eligibility and the binding nature of the restrictions, which would remain in force under the modified sentence until any further judicial developments.

No details in the provided reporting addressed whether additional appeal options are available or the schedule for any further proceedings. The appeals court’s ruling, as reported, is the most immediate change to Le Pen’s legal status, affecting both her candidacy prospects and the day-to-day limits on her freedom of movement as the 2027 election approaches.