Marine Le Pen told associates that she would not be a candidate in the 2027 French presidential election if the court imposes an electronic monitoring sentence, according to Israel Hayom journalist Ariel Kahana. If she withdraws, Jordan Bardella is expected to run. Kahana highlights the Israeli diplomatic angle: Minister Amichai Chikli invited Bardella to Israel, and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar lifted the boycott on Le Pen's party.
Marine Le Pen has told associates she will not run for the 2027 French presidency if the court forces her to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet, according to Israel Hayom journalist Ariel Kahana on Tuesday afternoon. The statement, first reported by Kahana, comes after a day of rapid legal developments in France.
The Zioneer first reported at 15:02 Jerusalem that the court sentenced Le Pen to three years in prison, with two years suspended and one year under electronic monitoring. Minutes later, at 15:14, Amit Segal (N12) reported that the court had initially disqualified her from running — a report that was then partially reversed at 15:15 when The Zioneer reported that the appeals court shortened her sentence, clearing the path for her candidacy. At 15:19, Kahana assessed that if Le Pen withdraws, Jordan Bardella would run on her ticket. The sentencing and the subsequent appeals correction were confirmed by multiple news outlets.
As The Zioneer previously reported, Bardella has emerged as a strong supporter of Israel, recently visiting at the invitation of Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Shikli. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar lifted the diplomatic boycott on Le Pen and her party. N12 analyst Asaf Rozentzweig argued that the right-wing interest in France is to remove Le Pen to clear the path for Bardella, who is seen as having a better chance of winning.
Le Pen's final decision and the full court ruling remain pending. The situation is fluid, with the appeals court decision still subject to further interpretation.
5 developments
- StrongAmit Segal (N12) reports: French court ruled Marine Le Pen cannot run for president in 2027
- DevelopingAriel Kahana: If Le Pen withdraws, Bardella to run for French president on her ticket
- StrongFrench court sentences Le Pen to three years, one year house arrest; presidential bid likely hampered
- DevelopingN12 analyst: Right-wing interest in France is to remove Le Pen, clear path for Bardella
Source and signal
- Internal intake