Marine Le Pen Decries Court Decision as 'Witch Hunt' Amid Embezzlement Charges

Marine Le Pen, leader of France's National Rally, labeled her recent embezzlement conviction a "witch hunt," asserting political motives behind the court's ruling. Despite facing a five-year ban from office and a €100,000 fine, she vows to appeal and continue her political fight, drawing attention from international right-wing figures.

France's far-right National Rally (RN) leader Marine Le Pen addressed thousands of supporters near the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, expressing her belief that the court's ruling against her, which found her guilty of embezzling €2.9 million (£2.5 million) of EU funds from 2004 to 2016, was driven by political motives. Le Pen denounced the conviction as a "witch hunt," emphasizing that she would not relinquish her political aspirations.

The court's verdict has effectively barred her from running for any office for five years, and Le Pen’s appeal process is expected to be lengthy, potentially lasting until the 2027 presidential election. At her rally on Sunday, she articulated that the ruling was a "political decision," asserting her intention to remain engaged in the political arena. RN President Jordan Bardella echoed her sentiments, describing the judgment as a "direct attack on democracy."

In contrast, Gabriel Attal, representing President Emmanuel Macron's centrist Renaissance party, stressed that accountability is necessary, stating, "you steal, you pay." He further criticized the growing support for Le Pen from various right-wing leaders worldwide, calling it "unprecedented interference" in French political matters.

Le Pen drew parallels between her predicament and the struggle for civil rights championed by Martin Luther King Jr., highlighting her view that the rights of the French people are now under threat. Despite her legal woes, a recent poll suggested that a majority of French citizens believe justice was served in her case, indicating contrasting public perceptions.

As the RN prepares for future elections, they are contemplating leadership options should Le Pen's appeal fail, with reports indicating that approximately 60% of RN voters would consider Bardella as a viable candidate. As political tensions rise, the situation remains fluid with diverse opinions emerging around France's political landscape.