After appeals verdict: Marine Le Pen announces appeal to the Court of Cassation and reaffirms presidential bid

La Flèche – 08.07.2026: Die Cour d’appel de Paris hat Marine Le Pen am 7. Juli 2026 im Berufungsverfahren im Zusammenhang mit der Affäre um EU-Parlamentsassistenten schuldig gesprochen. Nach Gerichtsangaben wurden über Jahre hinweg Mitarbeitende, die aus Mitteln des Europäischen Parlaments bezahlt wurden, de facto für Parteiaufgaben des damaligen Front National eingesetzt. Damit bestätigte das Berufungsgericht im Kern die Feststellungen des Tribunal judiciaire de Paris aus dem Jahr 2025, die bereits von umfangreichen Rückforderungen und strafrechtlichen Sanktionen ausgingen.

The penalties handed down in Paris include fines as well as prison sentences with partial enforcement and suspended terms, according to the ruling. In addition, a temporary incapacity to hold public office was imposed. The exact duration and modalities of this disqualification are politically significant because they can affect participation in certain posts. Legal experts note, however, that an ongoing appeal to the Cour de cassation does not automatically suspend the finality of the decision, though individual enforcement issues can be stayed or adjusted until the court rules.

Immediately after the verdict was announced, Le Pen said in a television interview that she would file a complaint before the Cour de cassation. At the same time she reaffirmed her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. In doing so, the head of the Rassemblement National parliamentary group is pursuing a two-track approach: legal challenge of the judgment and a political push to mobilize her supporters. Sources close to her say they see the appeal to the Cour de cassation as an opportunity to have procedural questions and the legal assessment of the assistants’ activities reviewed.

A public appearance by Le Pen at the market in La Flèche (Département Sarthe) is scheduled for the morning of July 8, accompanied by Jordan Bardella, the party said. The choice of location is seen within the party as a signal to a region where the Rassemblement National has recently achieved stable results. Market visits of this kind traditionally serve to activate local supporters and secure media visibility in a phase that is decisive for the presidential campaign.

Political reactions are clearly divided. Opponents are calling for consequences in view of the conviction and speak of the need for clear ethical standards at the highest state office. Le Pen’s supporters point to the right to legal remedies and to the presumption of innocence that remains until the Cour de cassation reaches a final decision. Independent observers stress that the forthcoming review by the Cour de cassation will focus on questions of law and will not re-evaluate the entire factual record. How the judicial question, possible enforcement measures and the RN campaign interact is likely to shape the political dynamics up to 2027.