Marine Le Pen, the French far-right leader, addressed cheering supporters in Paris on Sunday, vowing to challenge a five-year ban on running for office resulting from her embezzlement conviction. She positioned herself as an underdog representing those “disdained” by the political elite and criticized the restriction as part of a politically motivated “witch hunt” aimed at preventing her participation in France’s 2027 presidential election. Le Pen emphasized that the actions against her aim to silence her because “we are winning.” Her conviction has garnered criticism from global right-wing figures, including President Trump, echoing his complaints against American courts. Although less fiery than Trump, her tone nevertheless invoked a call for “peaceful and democratic resistance” against the judicial action, stating she is “not above the law, but not below it” either.

The National Rally, Le Pen’s party, has been working to replace its radical image with a more palatable, ready-to-govern persona. Gathered at the Invalides, where Napoleon’s remains are entombed, Le Pen’s supporters waved French flags, expressing beliefs that the sentence was too harsh but without seething with anger, giving the demonstration an early campaign rally atmosphere.

Le Pen and 23 others affiliated with the National Rally party were convicted of embezzlement charges involving the misuse of European Parliament funds between 2004 and 2016. She received a four-year sentence (two suspended, two under house arrest) and a €100,000 fine, alongside a five-year ban from office. Le Pen has appealed the verdict, and the Paris Court of Appeal aims to make a decision by summer 2026. Lifting the ban could provide her sufficient time to prepare for the presidential campaign.

Preventing a

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/06/world/europe/france-marine-le-pen-rally.html