French court clears way for Marine Le Pen to run for president but orders her to wear electronic tag

A French appeals court has ruled that Marine Le Pen can run in the 2027 presidential election despite her conviction for embezzlement. The court ordered her to wear an electronic monitoring device as a condition of her eligibility, according to coverage from BBC, Reuters, and CNN. Le Pen immediately announced her candidacy and stated she would appeal the conviction to France’s highest court, the Constitutional Council.

Coverage emphasizes the legal maneuvering: while the conviction stands, the court’s decision clears the path for her campaign, framing it as a rare compromise. Outlets including *France 24*, *Al Jazeera*, and *The Wall Street Journal* highlight the political implications, noting this could reshape France’s election landscape. The ankle monitor requirement has sparked debate over its practicality and symbolism ahead of the race.

Watch for the Constitutional Council’s response—Le Pen’s appeal could overturn the conviction entirely. If upheld, her candidacy will proceed under the monitoring condition, potentially drawing scrutiny over campaign logistics and public perception. Legal and political analysts will dissect whether this ruling sets a precedent for future cases involving elected officials.