Paris – The court of appeal in Paris will issue its verdict on Tuesday regarding Marine Le Pen’s eligibility to run for president in the 2025 French election. Le Pen was convicted in March 2025 of misusing European parliamentary funds and sentenced to two years of home confinement with an electronic tag and five years of ineligibility from public office; the ineligibility clause took effect immediately. The appeal follows four months of deliberation and will decide whether the original sentence is upheld, modified or overturned. Le Pen’s lawyer, Rudolphe Bosselut, argued that the decision carries “dizzying significance” for the presidential race. The state prosecutor requested a reduced sentence of one year with an electronic tag, while Le Pen said any period of ineligibility would prevent her from campaigning freely. If the court imposes a five‑year ban, she would be barred from the ballot; a two‑year ban could allow her to run, as the period would end before the first round on 18 April. A sentence that includes a one‑year travel restriction would, she added, make candidacy impossible. Ten other National Rally officials are also appealing the conviction. If Le Pen is barred, the party is expected to nominate 30‑year‑old Jordan Bardella as its presidential candidate, a choice that polls currently favor but whose experience remains uncertain. Speculation about the political ramifications includes the possibility that Le Pen may remain the party’s figurehead despite a sentence, or that the party could transition leadership to Bardella, potentially altering its appeal across different voter groups. The court may also refer the matter to the Cour de Cassation, whose ruling in January could affect the timeline of any appeal. The outcome will clarify whether Le Pen can stand in the 2025 election or whether the National Rally will proceed with a new candidate, a development that will influence the party’s prospects in the upcoming vote.