Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, criticized her conviction for embezzlement as a politically motivated decision. Following this, widespread protests occurred across France, with supporters rallying against the ruling, while the presidential camp and left demonstrated their commitment to judicial independence. Key political figures exchanged views on the implications of the conviction, highlighting growing tensions in the political landscape as factions vie to shape the narrative ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.
Marine Le Pen’s Critique of Judicial Decision
PARIS (Reuters) – Marine Le Pen, the head of the National Rally (RN), expressed her discontent on Saturday regarding her conviction for embezzling public funds, labeling it a ‘political decision’ rather than a legal one. In a related statement, RN president Jordan Bardella maintained that he respects judicial independence but condemned the ruling as ‘unjust and scandalous,’ asserting that it aims to sideline Le Pen from the 2027 presidential election.
Political Mobilization Across France
On Sunday, France witnessed three distinct political demonstrations following Le Pen’s recent conviction, which has significantly altered the political landscape just two years ahead of the presidential elections. The National Rally (RN), the presidential camp, and the left all mobilized to voice their commitment to the rule of law and democracy, each claiming to defend these principles against various threats. Supporters of Marine Le Pen congregated at Place Vauban in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, protesting what they perceive as a politically motivated judgment aimed at hindering her future candidacy. Bardella claimed the protest drew around 10,000 participants.
Meanwhile, at the Cité du cinéma in Saint-Denis, key figures from the presidential camp, including Prime Minister François Bayrou, gathered for a public meeting. Concurrently, members of the left organized a demonstration at Place de la République, starting at 1:00 PM (GMT), to assert their belief that the independence of the judiciary is under threat. Organizers reported that this gathering attracted approximately 15,000 individuals.
As the political discourse unfolds, various leaders have shared their perspectives. Gabriel Attal, former Prime Minister, criticized the RN for its attacks on the French judiciary, citing a concerted effort by prominent figures like Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump to undermine French democratic institutions. Le Pen, addressing supporters at Place Vauban, emphasized her intention to continue fighting against what she describes as an unjust political attack.
The current political climate in France is tense, with each faction striving to assert its narrative in the face of Le Pen’s conviction and the broader implications for democracy and judicial independence.