Marine Le Pen, head of the National Rally (RN) party, addressed a crowd of thousands in Paris this past Sunday, branding her recent court ruling—a five-year ban from running for office—as a "political decision." Le Pen was found guilty of misappropriating approximately €2.9 million (£2.5 million) in EU funds for her party's use from 2004 to 2016 and has since filed an appeal against the ruling.
During her speech at Place Vauban, near the Eiffel Tower, Le Pen rallied her supporters, stating, "I won't give up." She characterized the legal action as part of a "witch hunt" against her party while insisting on a fair application of the law. RN President Jordan Bardella echoed her sentiments, labeling the verdict as an assault on democracy intended to exclude Le Pen from the 2027 presidential race.
The French government's response came from Gabriel Attal, leader of President Emmanuel Macron's Renaissance party, which emphasized accountability, stating, "you steal, you pay." Attal criticized the perceived foreign interference and highlighted endorsements from notable right-wing figures outside France, like Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and Hungary's Viktor Orban. U.S. President Donald Trump also referred to the conviction as a "very big deal."
Following the court’s ruling, a poll indicated that a majority of French citizens perceive the judicial treatment of Le Pen's case as impartial. Meanwhile, the Paris Court of Appeal has indicated that a final decision might be expected by summer 2026, potentially influencing the political landscape leading up to the 2027 elections.
In addition to her office ban, Le Pen was sentenced to a €100,000 (£82,635) fine and four years in prison, two of which will be suspended pending appeal. RN spokesperson Laurent Jacobelli mentioned that while they will strive to ensure Le Pen leads the party, 29-year-old Bardella is viewed as a legitimate alternative.
Despite speculation regarding Bardella's role in case Le Pen is unable to run, he maintains that the ruling is grounds for outrage and has disassociated himself from being labeled the group's "plan B." Notably, a recent survey revealed that over 60% of RN voters would back Bardella if he were to run against Le Pen in the next presidential election.
As the political dynamic unfolds, with Macron barred from seeking reelection, tensions within the French far-right rise, and support for Le Pen and her party remains a heated topic across the country.
