France's Far Right Mobilizes for Paris Rally Following Le Pen's Ban

A rally is set for Sunday in Paris, organized by far-right leader Jordan Bardella in light of Marine Le Pen's recent ban from seeking public office, highlighting tensions within French politics as the 2027 election approaches.

Far-right leader Jordan Bardella has called for a rally to take place in the heart of Paris this Sunday, protesting the recent ruling that disqualified Marine Le Pen from running for public office for five years. This decision has cast a shadow over Le Pen's aspirations to become France's president in the upcoming 2027 elections. The Paris Court of Appeal deemed that Le Pen was implicated in the embezzlement of around €2.9 million ($3.4 million) of EU funds between 2004 and 2016.

During a press conference, Bardella, president of the National Rally (RN) party, urged citizens to express their outrage at the ruling. The court has indicated it will likely reach a conclusion on the case by the summer of 2026, just months before the elections. "We will take to the streets this weekend," said Bardella, calling for "democratic, peaceful, calm mobilisations." The rally is scheduled to be held at the Place Vauban, near the Eiffel Tower.

Le Pen, who was present at the press event, claimed that the ruling was akin to a "nuclear bomb" aimed at preventing the RN from gaining power. She added that the "system" was using powerful tactics against the party as they appeared poised for electoral success. Le Pen encouraged supporters to channel their "outrage and hurt" to continue the fight for their aspirations: "We will hold on until the end, until victory."

Bardella also expressed his grievances about what he termed the "tyranny of the judges," condemning the extent of public backlash against the judges involved in the verdict. Following the ruling, judicial authorities reported personalized threats against the judges, prompting heightened security measures for those involved in the case.

As Le Pen had been preparing for her fourth presidential run, her ineligibility comes as a considerable setback. Despite this, she reiterated her refusal to be sidelined without a fight. Meanwhile, although Bardella remains uncommitted about his own potential candidacy, RN spokesperson Laurent Jacobelli suggested he represents the party's "most naturally legitimate" alternative if Le Pen is unable to run.

Polling released shortly before the court's decision indicated that 60% of RN voters would support Bardella over Le Pen in a presidential election, highlighting a possible shift in party dynamics. International figures, including Hungary's Viktor Orban and US President Donald Trump, have expressed solidarity with Le Pen following her conviction, framing it as a substantial issue for democracy. The ruling also includes a €100,000 (approximately £82,635) fine and a four-year prison sentence, of which two years are suspended, pending appeals that may prolong the legal battle for significant time.