A large-scale rally was held in Paris in support of the leader of the parliamentary faction of the National Rally (RN) party, Marine Le Pen, who has been banned from running for office.
From 2 p.m. on Sunday, demonstrators carrying French flags began gathering at Place Vauban. People of all ages took part in the rally, while large screens with the words “Youth with Marine Le Pen!” were set up near the stage in the square. Later, some protesters began calling for the resignation of French President Emmanuel Macron.
Le Pen arrived at the rally in advance by car, accompanied by security guards. Party leader Jordan Bardella said the day of Le Pen’s conviction “will remain a black day in history” and also called the judgement against the politician a direct attack on democracy and a detriment to millions of patriotic French people.
“This decision has trampled on my people, my country and my honour! I want everyone to know: I will not surrender. I have no hesitation in emphasising the political background of the trial against us. This is not a judgement. This is a political decision, a hunt for politicians!” Le Pen said.
Paris court judgement
Three-time presidential candidate and main contender to succeed Emmanuel Macron, Marine Le Pen, was found guilty on Monday of embezzling more than 4 million euros of European Parliament funds to pay the salaries of RN party workers in France through a massive fake jobs scam.
Marine Le Pen was sentenced to four years in prison, two of which are suspended and two can be served with an electronic bracelet, fined €100,000 and – under the law she supported – barred from running for public office for five years with immediate effect.
The Paris appeals court has also said it will deliver a verdict in her case by next summer, potentially allowing her to enter the 2027 presidential race if her conviction is overturned, which is considered unlikely, or the ban on running for public office is lifted.
Meanwhile, a protest by the nationally orientated has angered left-wing politicians in France.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of France Unbowed (LFI), wrote on X:
“The mobilisation against the extreme right is now decisively and profoundly deployed. A huge force is ready to reject the sacrifices of Le Pen and the RN. On May 1 we will be present in full force throughout the country, as we are today in Paris.”
