In a sweeping address following her court conviction, Marine Le Pen addressed thousands, voicing her defiance against what she called a politically motivated judgment that could undermine her future as a presidential candidate.
Le Pen Denounces Court Ruling as a Political Attack on Her Presidential Aspirations
Le Pen Denounces Court Ruling as a Political Attack on Her Presidential Aspirations
Marine Le Pen claims court ruling is a 'witch hunt' while rallying supporters in Paris.
Marine Le Pen, the leader of France's far-right National Rally (RN), galvanized her supporters in Place Vauban, Paris, on Sunday, declaring a recent court ruling that disqualified her from holding office for five years as a "political decision." Following a conviction on charges related to the embezzlement of EU funds totaling €2.9 million from 2004-2016, Le Pen asserted her intention to appeal and reaffirmed her commitment to pursue her political goals, stating, "I won't give up."
During the rally, she described her plight as indicative of a larger "witch hunt" targeting her party. She emphasized that while they seek justice, they do not claim an exemption from legal scrutiny. RN president Jordan Bardella supported her assertions, labeling the court's decision a "direct attack on democracy" aimed at disenfranchising millions of patriotic French citizens. He expressed his concerns about the implications of judicial influence in the political sphere, emphasizing that the ruling sought to eliminate Le Pen from the upcoming presidential race in 2027.
In response, Gabriel Attal, head of President Macron's centrist Renaissance party, remarked, "You steal, you pay," echoing sentiments held by many who perceive the legal outcomes as fair. Public opinion appears mixed; a recent BFMTV poll indicated that 57% of respondents believe the judgment was unbiased.
The Paris Court of Appeal has indicated it would likely reach a final decision by summer 2026, ahead of the next presidential election. Le Pen is in the midst of her fourth campaign for the presidency and was considered a strong contender. Alongside a five-year ban from public office, she faces a €100,000 fine and a four-year prison sentence, though the latter two years will be suspended pending appeal outcomes, which may extend for years.
Laurent Jacobelli, the RN spokesperson, affirmed the party's commitment to securing Le Pen's candidacy while noting that Bardella, aged 29, stands as a "naturally legitimate" alternative if necessary. Bardella, however, avoided commenting on speculation about his role, insisting that the public should feel "outraged" at the ruling.
Interestingly, a poll released shortly before the court's verdict indicated that about 60% of RN voters favored Bardella over Le Pen should he choose to run in the presidential elections. Meanwhile, with President Macron unable to seek re-election, the political landscape continues to shift as France grapples with issues of legal integrity and electoral viability.
