Marine Le Pen, the leader of the French far-right party, declared on Wednesday that she will not pursue a presidential candidacy if a court mandates her to wear an ankle bracelet. This statement comes after French prosecutors requested that the court maintain a five-year ban on her eligibility for elections, following legal troubles that may culminate in a four-year prison sentence (three years suspended) and a fine of €100,000. She emphasized in her first interview since the legal proceedings that various scenarios of her running for office have become improbable under these conditions.

In her interview with French news outlet BFMTV, Le Pen reiterated her dismissal of any possibility of campaigning while under judicial restrictions, stating, "You cannot campaign under such conditions." The implication of her statement reflects not only her personal stance but also the potential ramifications on her party's political strategy and upcoming elections if her legal challenges continue to impede her ability to participate in the electoral process. Without the ability to campaign effectively, her party's visibility and influence could diminish significantly.

Le Pen's legal issues come at a delicate time for her party, as they could affect the overall public perception during upcoming elections. Her remarks indicate a strong resistance to the legal stipulations imposed on her, suggesting that the ongoing legal battles could further polarize voters and influence the far-right's position within the French political landscape. As the situation develops, both her party and her potential rival candidates will be closely watching how the courts rule on her eligibility and the broader implications for French politics.