Paris Court Schedules Le Pen Appeal Trial January 2026

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen's appeal trial against a conviction for embezzling European Parliament funds is scheduled from January 13 to February 12, 2026, with a verdict expected before summer. The conviction currently bars her from running in the 2027 presidential election, but the expedited appeal trial offers a potential path for her to regain eligibility and maintain her presidential ambitions. Le Pen was sentenced to a five-year ban from public office, along with prison time and a fine, though these penalties are suspended pending appeal. Despite widespread belief that the conviction will stand, Le Pen and her National Rally party hope the ban will be reduced or overturned, allowing her to contest the election which is viewed as a critical moment for France's political future. The case has heightened political tensions amid a crisis facing President Emmanuel Macron's administration, and Le Pen has criticized the trial as politically motivated. Her protege, Jordan Bardella, is also preparing as a possible alternative candidate should Le Pen be unable to run.