Le Pen characterizes her conviction as part of a political vendetta, asserting her determination to challenge the ruling.
**Le Pen Denounces Court Ruling as a 'Political Decision' at Paris Rally**
**Le Pen Denounces Court Ruling as a 'Political Decision' at Paris Rally**
Marine Le Pen expresses defiance amid court-imposed ban from running for office during a rally in Paris.
In a rally held near the Eiffel Tower, Marine Le Pen, leader of France's far-right National Rally (RN), labeled the court's recent decision to ban her from public office for five years as a "political decision." Addressing an enthusiastic crowd, she declared, "I won't give up," referencing her conviction for embezzling approximately €2.9 million in EU funds between 2004 and 2016. Le Pen has since filed an appeal against the ruling and criticized what she termed a "witch hunt" against her political party, insisting they do not seek to be "above the law" but rather not "below the law."
Jordan Bardella, RN's president, defended Le Pen at the rally, framing the court's decision as an affront to democracy that strikes at the heart of patriotic sentiments among French citizens. While emphasizing respect for the judiciary, Bardella alleged that the ruling was designed to eliminate Le Pen from the upcoming 2027 presidential election. Responding to these claims, Gabriel Attal, leader of President Emmanuel Macron's centrist Renaissance party, remarked that those who engage in wrongdoing must face the consequences.
Polls suggest that 57% of the French populace perceive the legal proceedings against Le Pen as being carried out without bias. Meanwhile, the Paris Court of Appeal announced it would deliver a decision on her case by summer 2026, providing an uncertain scenario ahead of the next presidential election. Aside from her ban, Le Pen was also imposed a €100,000 fine and a suspended four-year prison sentence, with the onset of these penalties delayed until her appeals are resolved, a process that may take years.
With discussions around Le Pen's political viability intensifying, RN spokesperson Laurent Jacobelli indicated that while the party will fight for Le Pen's candidacy, Bardella—29 years old—might be viewed as a fitting alternative. Following the court ruling, Bardella refrained from labeling himself as a backup candidate. A poll prior to Le Pen's sentencing revealed that about 60% of RN supporters would prefer Bardella over Le Pen in a presidential bid. France's President Macron, notably, cannot seek reelection in the forthcoming electoral cycle, adding further unpredictability to the political landscape.
Le Pen's allies across Europe have condemned the court's verdict as a threat to democratic principles, while the French far-right plans further rallies to galvanize support for their leader as she navigates this legal and political crisis.
Jordan Bardella, RN's president, defended Le Pen at the rally, framing the court's decision as an affront to democracy that strikes at the heart of patriotic sentiments among French citizens. While emphasizing respect for the judiciary, Bardella alleged that the ruling was designed to eliminate Le Pen from the upcoming 2027 presidential election. Responding to these claims, Gabriel Attal, leader of President Emmanuel Macron's centrist Renaissance party, remarked that those who engage in wrongdoing must face the consequences.
Polls suggest that 57% of the French populace perceive the legal proceedings against Le Pen as being carried out without bias. Meanwhile, the Paris Court of Appeal announced it would deliver a decision on her case by summer 2026, providing an uncertain scenario ahead of the next presidential election. Aside from her ban, Le Pen was also imposed a €100,000 fine and a suspended four-year prison sentence, with the onset of these penalties delayed until her appeals are resolved, a process that may take years.
With discussions around Le Pen's political viability intensifying, RN spokesperson Laurent Jacobelli indicated that while the party will fight for Le Pen's candidacy, Bardella—29 years old—might be viewed as a fitting alternative. Following the court ruling, Bardella refrained from labeling himself as a backup candidate. A poll prior to Le Pen's sentencing revealed that about 60% of RN supporters would prefer Bardella over Le Pen in a presidential bid. France's President Macron, notably, cannot seek reelection in the forthcoming electoral cycle, adding further unpredictability to the political landscape.
Le Pen's allies across Europe have condemned the court's verdict as a threat to democratic principles, while the French far-right plans further rallies to galvanize support for their leader as she navigates this legal and political crisis.
