A court hearing has triggered intense backlash against proposed legal actions against Marine Le Pen, including severe penalties. The National Rally (RN) criticized the judiciary, alleging political motives behind the requisitions, which aim to hinder Le Pen’s political future ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Support for Le Pen’s candidacy has emerged from various political figures, emphasizing the importance of allowing voters to choose their candidate without legal interference.
Legal Requisitions Spark Controversy
A recent court hearing has led to a significant backlash against the proposed legal actions against Marine Le Pen. The requisitions, which include a five-year prison sentence, two years of adjustable detention, a hefty fine of 300,000 euros, and a five-year ineligibility period with immediate effect, were announced on Wednesday, November 13. The National Rally (RN) responded vehemently to these demands, with Le Pen herself labeling them as ‘violent’ and ‘excessive’ following the hearing. She, along with her party and 24 other defendants, faces scrutiny in a case involving RN parliamentary assistants at the Paris court.
Political Ramifications and Reactions
Following the announcement, RN representatives did not hold back in their criticism of the judiciary. RN deputy Philippe Ballard from Oise asserted, ‘They aimed to undermine Marine Le Pen and the RN, but we are resilient.’ He highlighted concerns about the perceived politicization of the magistrates involved. Furthermore, RN vice-president Sébastien Chenu claimed that the prosecution’s motives were politically charged, suggesting that the requisitions were intended to ‘eliminate Marine Le Pen from the political arena’ ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
Le Pen’s potential ineligibility became a focal point of discussion as the RN group’s president in the National Assembly expressed her outrage over the implications. She argued that the prosecution’s actions could deprive the French electorate of their preferred candidate, questioning, ‘Are we really going to deny over 11 million voters their choice? What kind of country are we living in?’ echoed by Ballard’s sentiments.
Interestingly, there was unexpected support from within the political spectrum, including former Minister of the Interior Gérald Darmanin, who stated that electoral challenges should occur at the polls rather than through legal channels. He emphasized the importance of considering the will of the people in any court ruling against Le Pen.
Support for Le Pen’s candidacy in 2027 also emerged from other political figures. Karl Olive, a deputy for Together for the Republic, expressed a desire to see Le Pen remain in the race, stating that her absence would not bode well for democracy, despite his personal opposition to her policies. He argued that winning by default is not a message that should be sent to the electorate.