Marine Le Pen Decries Court Ruling as a Political Vendetta

Marine Le Pen, leader of France's National Rally, condemned her recent conviction of embezzlement as a "witch hunt," asserting her intention to appeal while addressing supporters in Paris. The court decision not only bans her from seeking office for five years but also includes significant financial penalties and a suspended prison sentence. Despite the ruling, she maintains substantial support within her party and among right-wing allies across Europe.

Marine Le Pen, the head of France's far-right National Rally (RN), has fiercely criticized a recent court ruling that found her guilty of embezzling €2.9 million (£2.5 million) from EU funds, branding it a "witch hunt." Addressing a spirited crowd of supporters at Place Vauban near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Le Pen declared, "I won’t give up." The court's ruling imposes a five-year ban on her candidacy for public office, along with significant fines and a four-year prison sentence, half of which is suspended.

Le Pen, who is appealing the conviction, characterized the decision as primarily political, asserting, "We are not asking to be above the law, but to not be below the law." Support from fellow right-wing leaders, including Italy's Giorgia Meloni and Hungary's Viktor Orban, further complicates the political landscape. Meanwhile, Gabriel Attal, leader of President Macron's centrist Renaissance party, countered by stating, "you steal, you pay."

In a video appearance at a gathering of Italy’s Lega party, Le Pen compared her plight to that of Martin Luther King Jr., insisting her struggle represents the fight for civil rights in France. Polls indicate a majority of the French populace believes justice was served in her case. The Paris Court of Appeal has signaled it may issue a definitive ruling on the appeal by summer 2026, just ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Le Pen had been gearing up for a fourth presidential bid with considerable backing, but the ruling raises questions about her political future. RN's current president, Jordan Bardella, suggested the ruling is a "direct attack on democracy," yet polls also reveal a significant portion of RN voters may support Bardella in the event he runs in 2027.