Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right in France, will be tried again for the embezzlement of European funds, and the verdict will influence her candidacy in the 2027 elections.

Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right party, Rassemblement National (RN), will have a new trial on February 12, on appeal, for the misappropriation of European Parliament funds. Le Pen, at the age of 57, was banned from running in March 2023 after being found guilty of an extensive system of false employment. The verdict of this appeal will determine whether she can compete in the presidential elections of 2027. In the event that she cannot run, her young protégé, Jordan Bardella, could take over the leadership. Bardella has gained popularity following Le Pen's legal troubles, having a 49% chance of winning in polls, compared to 18% for Le Pen.

Le Pen claims she is innocent and accuses a "judicial regime" that wants to block her candidacy. In 2022, she was sentenced to five years of prohibition from holding public office and to a prison sentence, of which two years are suspended. The deterioration of her image has sparked international reactions, including from Donald Trump, who called the trial a "witch hunt." The verdict of the appeal will influence the party's decision regarding the presidential candidate, which is expected to be announced in the summer.