French Far Right Rally in Paris Against Marine Le Pen Conviction

Supporters of France's far-right gathered in Paris on Sunday after Marine Le Pen, the party’s leader, was convicted of embezzlement and banned from holding public office, a decision that could prevent her from participating in the 2027 presidential election. Le Pen, who is appealing the verdict, has vowed to fight the ruling, declaring that she would not let the presidency be taken from her.

The conviction has sparked shock across France’s political landscape, with even some of her most ardent critics suggesting she should still be allowed to run in the upcoming election. Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) party called for a demonstration in Paris, rallying supporters to defend democracy and Le Pen’s political rights.

Polling data shows that Le Pen, 56, would likely win the first round of voting in the 2027 election, with recent surveys showing her securing up to 36% of the vote. Le Pen considers herself the frontrunner to succeed President Emmanuel Macron.

At the same time, left-wing groups held their own protests in the city, accusing Le Pen’s party of adopting tactics reminiscent of Donald Trump’s political strategy. Gabriel Attal’s centrist Renaissance party also organized an event, raising concerns over the erosion of the rule of law in France.

Le Pen’s conviction stemmed from charges of embezzlement, leading to a partially suspended prison sentence and an immediate ban from public office. Her supporters have called the judgment politically motivated, while President Macron emphasized that the French judiciary is independent.

In response to the conviction, US President Donald Trump labeled it as a politically driven “witch hunt.” Prime Minister François Bayrou rejected Trump's comments, emphasizing the importance of respecting France's independent judiciary.

The ruling has intensified the political climate in France, prompting counter-protests from both sides. Jordan Bardella, the head of the National Rally, claimed that the conviction would only strengthen support for the party, framing the rally as a defense of French democracy.

While Le Pen has sought to reshape her party into a mainstream force, the conviction risks undermining years of progress, political analysts suggest. Le Pen has compared herself to Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader, suggesting that she is the victim of an unjust political system. Some observers believe that adopting an anti-establishment stance resonates with her supporters.

The National Rally remains the largest party in the French parliament, posing a challenge to Prime Minister Bayrou’s government. The Paris Court of Appeal is expected to review Le Pen’s case, potentially allowing her to run for president if her conviction is overturned or her sentence modified.