French far-right leader Marine Le Pen announced that she will not run for president in 2027 if a Paris appeals court mandates the use of an electronic bracelet as part of her sentence.

The appeals court is expected to deliver a significant verdict on Tuesday.

Le Pen, 57, is contesting a March 2025 ruling that found her and other members of her National Rally party guilty of misusing European Union funds between 2004 and 2016. The accusation is that aides were hired to work for the party rather than perform parliamentary duties.

Potential sanctions if convicted again include a ban from holding elected office, being ordered to wear an electronic tag, or both.

"If I can be a candidate, I will be a candidate, provided that I am able to campaign," Le Pen stated in an interview with the LCI channel. "Because if I’m allowed to be a candidate but am effectively prevented from campaigning freely, then you understand that wouldn’t be possible."

When specifically asked if an electronic bracelet would be the primary obstacle, she responded, "Well, of course. I can’t be dependent on a judge to authorize me to go hold a campaign rally ... or to visit a market."

Le Pen has denied any involvement in a fraudulent scheme to divert EU funds.

France's next presidential election is scheduled with its first round on April 18 and a runoff on May 2, 2027.

In March 2025, a Paris court ruled that Le Pen was central to a "fraudulent system" that siphoned approximately 2.9 million euros ($3.4 million) in European Parliament funds. At that time, she received a five-year ban from holding elected office and two years of house arrest with an electronic bracelet.

Should she be prohibited from running, Le Pen indicated, "If I cannot be a candidate, I will make use of every available avenue of appeal." This could include an appeal to the Court of Cassation, which reviews legal adherence rather than factual findings. The Court of Cassation's review could take about six months.

If permitted to compete, Le Pen is considered a strong contender to succeed current President Emmanuel Macron in the 2027 election. In her absence, her protégé Jordan Bardella, 30, would likely be the party's candidate.

Le Pen described herself as the natural candidate for her political movement, citing her three previous presidential campaigns and calling her dynamic with Bardella, who possesses "the strength and energy of his youth."