A Paris appeals court is set to rule this Tuesday regarding Marine Le Pen’s embezzlement case, a decision that could significantly impact her potential 2027 presidential bid. Le Pen is appealing a March 2025 conviction involving the misuse of European Parliament funds between 2004 and 2016, which resulted in a suspended prison sentence and a five-year ban on holding elected office. While Le Pen maintains her innocence, claiming she believed the hiring practices were legal, the court's ruling could lead to an acquittal, a reduced ban, or a heavy sentence. If she is barred from running, her protégé Jordan Bardella may become the National Rally's candidate. Le Pen has expressed concerns that prolonged judicial uncertainty and potential restrictions on her ability to campaign freely could effectively prevent her from mounting a viable nationwide campaign before the election.