Marine Le Pen, the leader of France's National Rally (RN), announced in an interview with BFMTV that she would not conduct her presidential campaign if faced with the requirement to wear an electronic ankle bracelet. She described such a situation as an unjust impediment to her candidacy, highlighting the political and legal ramifications of her current predicament. Le Pen's stance highlights her ongoing tensions with the French judicial system, which she argues is being used to inhibit her political aspirations.

The controversy stems from a ruling by a Paris court that has condemned Le Pen to two years of wearing an electronic monitor, in addition to a five-year prohibition from holding public office. This sentence is part of a larger case involving over 11 defendants, including Le Pen, who are accused of misusing roughly €4.6 million in funds intended for parliamentary aides to compensate RN party officials not connected to the European Parliament. This situation places significant pressure on her party and her political ambitions as they approach the next electoral cycle.

As the decision from the Paris Court of Appeal is due on July 7, the implications of this ruling could heavily influence the political landscape in France. If she is indeed mandated to wear the ankle bracelet, it could severely damage her public image and chances of success in the upcoming presidential election. Le Pen's assertion that this is a tactic to prevent her from participating in the election may rally her supporters, but it also raises questions about the judiciary's role in political processes and the potential consequences for French democracy.