Far-right leader claims innocence and seeks appeal in high stakes legal battle
Marine Le Pen said on Tuesday night she would run for president in 2027 and appeal her conviction for embezzling European Parliament funds, launching a high-stakes legal and political battle.
“Tonight I am a candidate for the presidential election. I will not change my mind,” the far-right leader said in an interview on French broadcaster TF1, hours after the Paris Court of Appeal upheld her conviction but shortened her ban from holding public office.
Le Pen said she would immediately take the case to France’s Court of Cassation, arguing that the appeal would suspend the sentence imposed by the appeals court.
“I want to pursue every avenue of appeal so that I can defend my innocence,” she said. “I believe two courts can make a mistake, and the rule of law recognises that by allowing an appeal to the Court of Cassation.”
