The major political problem facing France is not a current one. The decision that deprives Marine Le Pen of the right to be elected only comes to exacerbate the political crisis that has been raging in the country, sometimes in the spotlight and sometimes silently for at least five years.

Emmanuel Macron has made it clear in all ways and in all tones that for him the “far-right and the left” are not options even if they win elections (sic) and he has…”no hesitation” heading towards the end of his second – and unless the Constitution is changed for the last time – term in office!

Last July, following the announcement of the second round of parliamentary election results, the coalition of the French Left achieved a historic victory against Le Pen and Bardella’s right-wing movement. However, months later, Macron exercised his constitutional right to appoint a Prime Minister of his choosing. While this was not illegal, it broke with the country’s customary political traditions. Traditionally, the President selects a Prime Minister from the winning side, even if it results in “cohabitation,” a system that necessitates broad consensus to pass crucial legislation.

The French people, who overwhelmingly disapprove of both Macron’s policies and the President himself, once again face a dilemma: “Far Right” or something else? This situation was unpredictably set in motion by Macron himself after his party’s crushing defeat in the European elections when he announced the dissolution of Parliament and called for new elections. The French electorate—one of the most politically engaged in Europe—was thus confronted with a question that Macron himself introduced into the national debate about the country’s future.

Le Pen’s conviction and the immediate enforcement of the decision mean that, regardless of what the appeals court might later rule, she is effectively barred from running. This forces the French people into yet another critical decision. However, this time, the stakes are even higher for Macron, with no safety net from the public’s democratic instincts. While the ruling removes Le Pen as a direct institutional challenge, it does not mean that her party—or its 29-year-old leader, Jordan Bardella, whom she appointed—will weaken or cease its activities. The court’s decision is expected to rally not only the right-wing opposition but also broader opposition forces against Macron, increasing pressure on him as the 2027 Presidential elections approach.

A look at the initial reactions from France’s National Assembly parties reveals that only Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s French Left condemns the ruling as an undemocratic measure against Le Pen’s political rights. Mélenchon, with his extensive political experience, understands that Macron will continue pushing his agenda to remove any obstacles in his path, without hesitating to use even questionable tactics.

Between the lines of Mélenchon’s message, one can discern a direct warning to Macron: he knows exactly what the President intends to do. By asserting that political rights should only be revoked by the people, Mélenchon references the idea of a Sixth French Republic. However, since 1958, France has been under the Fifth Republic, and any constitutional revision would require broad support in the National Assembly—something Macron desperately needs. While Mélenchon signals a willingness to engage in constitutional discussions, he will certainly oppose any changes allowing Macron a third term.

The political landscape in the coming days will likely be filled with backroom maneuvering and, potentially, street protests. French society is unlikely to passively accept political developments, given its eroded trust in Macron—not just as an individual, but possibly in the institution of the Presidency itself.

It is also worth noting that, at least for now, Bardella appears to be the main beneficiary of the court ruling. In a recent poll, he surpassed Le Pen in approval ratings for the first time since assuming leadership of the party.