Le Pen Declares Ruling a 'Political Decision' at Paris Rally

Marine Le Pen's supporters rally as she fights a five-year ban from office amid her ongoing legal battle.

Marine Le Pen, the leader of France's far-right National Rally (RN), addressed thousands of supporters in Paris on Sunday, labeling a recent court ruling that prohibits her from running for office for five years as a “political decision.” Le Pen, found guilty of embezzling €2.9 million (£2.5 million) of EU funds between 2004 and 2016, firmly stated, “I won’t give up” during her speech at Place Vauban, near the iconic Eiffel Tower.

She has since appealed the ruling, arguing that it reflects a “witch hunt” against her party while asserting that they merely seek to be treated equally under the law. Jordan Bardella, president of the RN party, described the court ruling as a "direct attack on democracy," emphasizing its impact on millions of patriotic French citizens. While he refrained from condemning the judiciary outright, Bardella alleged the verdict aimed to exclude Le Pen from the upcoming 2027 presidential race.

In response to the rally, Gabriel Attal, the leader of President Emmanuel Macron's centrist Renaissance party, remarked bluntly: “You steal, you pay,” criticizing what he referred to as “unprecedented interference” in national matters. Support for Le Pen from various right-wing leaders, including Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Hungary’s Viktor Orban, has amplified political tension in the landscape.

A recent BFMTV poll indicated that 57% of the French population perceived the legal proceedings against Le Pen as impartial. The Paris Court of Appeal is expected to make a decision on her case by summer 2026, just ahead of the 2027 presidential elections. Along with her five-year political ban, Le Pen received a €100,000 (£82,635) fine and a four-year prison sentence, half of which is suspended, pending the outcome of her appeal.

While the RN continues to back Le Pen's candidacy, 29-year-old Bardella has emerged as a potential alternative, with a pre-sentencing poll showing roughly 60% of RN voters favoring him over Le Pen in a hypothetical presidential contest. Although President Macron is barred from seeking re-election, the political future remains turbulent as Le Pen navigates her legal challenges amidst aspirations for another presidential bid.