France is set for a weekend of demonstrations in response to Marine Le Pen’s conviction, with supporters rallying to contest the ruling. Simultaneously, the presidential camp will gather to reaffirm their commitment to democracy, while left-wing groups will protest for judicial independence. The diverse demonstrations underscore the political tensions as the nation approaches the presidential election, reflecting differing views on democracy and the rule of law.
Political Mobilizations in France: A Weekend of Demonstrations
PARIS (Reuters) – This Sunday, France will witness three distinct demonstrations, each reflecting the political tensions that have surfaced following Marine Le Pen’s recent conviction. With the presidential election looming just two years away, these events highlight the varying perspectives on democracy and the rule of law in the nation.
National Rally’s Response to Le Pen’s Conviction
Supporters of Marine Le Pen, who is currently appealing her conviction related to the misuse of public funds involving European parliamentary assistants, will gather at Place Vauban in Paris’s 7th arrondissement. They view her sentencing as a politically motivated decision designed to impede her potential candidacy for the presidency.
The president of the RN group in the Assembly has described the situation as a ‘nuclear bomb’ launched by the ‘system,’ and she is expected to address the crowd alongside her ally, Eric Ciotti. Ciotti has plans to propose legislation aimed at abolishing the immediate execution of ineligibility sentences, further emphasizing their fight against what they perceive as a threat to democracy. Deputy Sébastien Chenu voiced concerns that depriving the leading candidate of her electoral rights suggests a departure from democratic principles.
As the protest draws near, RN President Jordan Bardella reassured supporters of the event’s peaceful nature, stating, ‘This is a mobilization for democracy and to uphold our rights,’ in response to any apprehensions about public order.
Presidential Camp and Left-Wing Demonstrations
In a separate event, the presidential camp will convene at the Cité du cinéma Saint-Denis, featuring prominent figures such as former Prime Ministers Gabriel Attal, Édouard Philippe, and Élisabeth Borne. This gathering aims to reinforce their commitment to democracy and the rule of law amid ongoing challenges. Attal highlighted the event as a significant moment for the party, which commemorates the anniversary of ‘En Marche,’ the political group that elevated Emmanuel Macron to power.
While no direct messages from the president are anticipated, the Élysée Palace views the assembly positively, noting that it reflects unity among potential successors to Macron. A close adviser remarked on the importance of this gathering, asserting that it showcases the president’s broader political family.
Meanwhile, segments of the left are planning their own demonstration at Place de la République, starting at 1:00 PM (11:00 AM GMT), to defend the rule of law and judicial independence. The movement La France insoumise has taken to social media, urging supporters to resist the far-right influence. Marine Tondelier, the national secretary of the Ecologists, echoed this sentiment, stressing the sacred nature of the rule of law.
Organizations such as Génération.s, founded by former minister Benoît Hamon, and various unions, including Attac and Solidaires, are rallying behind this cause. However, the Socialist Party and Communist Party have opted out of participation, believing that joining the protests would inadvertently lend credibility to claims that Le Pen’s conviction was politically motivated. Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol from the PS articulated concerns over fostering victim narratives among those facing judicial consequences.