Marine Le Pen's appeal trial is 'first act of 2027 presidential election'

Marine Le Pen is seeking to overturn a March 2025 ruling that found her guilty of misusing European Parliament funds. She was given a five-year ban from holding elected office, two years of house arrest with an electronic bracelet, a further two-year suspended sentence and a 100,000-euro fine. If Le Pen is ultimately prevented from running in 2027, party leader Jordan Bardella is widely expected to be her successor. His popularity has surged, particularly among younger voters, though some within the party have questioned his leadership.