Le Pen's Conviction Sparks Rival Rallies Across France

France is witnessing a surge of political demonstrations following the conviction of far-right leader Marine Le Pen for embezzling €4 million in European Parliament funds. The court sentenced Le Pen to four years in prison—two suspended and two under electronic monitoring—and imposed a five-year ban on holding public office. This ruling has intensified political divisions, prompting mass mobilizations from both her supporters and opponents.

In Paris, thousands of Le Pen's supporters assembled to protest what they perceive as a politically motivated verdict aimed at sidelining their leader ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Chanting "we will win," the demonstrators echoed Le Pen's assertions that the judiciary is being weaponized against her. Drawing inspiration from civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., Le Pen emphasized her commitment to a peaceful and democratic response, stating, "I have a dream that we will restore democracy and freedom in this country." Despite her legal challenges, Le Pen remains a prominent figure in French politics, with opinion polls indicating she commands up to 36% support among voters.

Conversely, left-wing groups and centrist politicians organized counter-demonstrations in defense of judicial independence and democratic institutions. Gathering at Place de la République, these protesters expressed concerns over the far-right's growing influence and its potential impact on the Republic's foundational values. Former Prime Ministers Gabriel Attal and Edouard Philippe were among the notable figures advocating for the preservation of judicial integrity amidst the escalating political tensions.

The conviction has also elicited reactions beyond France's borders. International right-wing leaders, including Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and former U.S. President Donald Trump, have condemned the verdict, characterizing it as an instance of political persecution. Elon Musk and Italy's Matteo Salvini similarly criticized European courts, accusing them of undermining democracy by targeting political adversaries. Legal experts within France, however, have defended the court's decision, asserting that the ruling is grounded in substantial evidence of fund misappropriation.

The National Rally party, under Le Pen's leadership, has been striving to rebrand itself with a more moderate image. This conviction poses a significant challenge to those efforts, potentially forcing the party to reassess its strategy as it navigates the complex political landscape leading up to the 2027 elections. The ruling has also sparked debates about the impartiality of the judiciary, with a majority of French citizens reportedly viewing the court's actions as fair and unbiased.