Marine Le Pen said she cannot campaign for the presidency if she is forced to wear an electronic bracelet [1].
The statement comes as the leader of the Rassemblement National faces a legal battle that could jeopardize her eligibility to run for the highest office in France. Because the presidential campaign requires extensive travel and public appearances, the restrictions of a monitoring device would limit her ability to reach voters.
Le Pen said Tuesday, July 7, 2026, regarding the ruling from the Paris Court of Appeal [2]. The case involves the alleged misuse of European Parliament funds to pay for national party assistants [1].
"On ne peut pas faire campagne dans ces conditions," Le Pen said [1]. Translated, she stated that one cannot campaign under such conditions. She said, "Je ne pourrai pas mener une campagne avec un bracelet électronique" [3], meaning she would be unable to lead a campaign while wearing the device.
Reports on the specific length of the sentence vary among sources. One report indicates a prison term of 45 months [4]. Another source states the sentence is three years, with one year to be served under the electronic bracelet [5].
The Rassemblement National leader has been a triple presidential candidate, making the outcome of this appeal trial a critical juncture for her political future. The court's decision on the "assistants parlementaires" case directly impacts her freedom of movement, a necessity for any national political bid.
“"On ne peut pas faire campagne dans ces conditions."”
This legal development creates a significant logistical and symbolic hurdle for Marine Le Pen. While an electronic bracelet is less restrictive than a prison cell, the geographical constraints and the public stigma of a monitoring device would severely hinder the visibility required for a presidential run. If the sentence stands, it may force the Rassemblement National to consider alternative candidates or challenge the ruling through further legal appeals to ensure their leader can operate without state surveillance.
