Marine Le Pen condemned: the RN reacts vigorously, Jordan Bardella describes the decision as “disproportionate”
In a decisive turn for the French political scene, Marine Le Pen’s conviction has shaken the landscape. The leader of the National Rally (RN) was found guilty of misappropriation of public funds, which carries not only a five-year disqualification from office but also two years of imprisonment, one of which is to be served indefinitely. This judgment sparked heated reactions within the party, with Jordan Bardella leading the criticism, calling the sentence “disproportionate” and a “political decision.” As the RN attempts to organize itself in the face of this crisis, the question of Le Pen’s and the party’s future in the 2027 presidential elections is becoming acute.
The RN’s reaction to Marine Le Pen’s conviction
Less than 24 hours after the judgment, the RN launched a media offensive, asserting that “everything will be done to prevent us from coming to power.” This statement, symptomatic of the party’s defense, is accompanied by a call for a swift appeal to maintain Le Pen’s candidacy. Here is how the RN reacted:
- Jordan Bardella urges popular mobilization.
- A petition of support has been set up, displaying the slogan “save democracy.”
- Party leaders are speaking out on various platforms, denouncing the “tyranny of the judges.”
Statements by Jordan Bardella
On CNews and Europe 1, the RN president called the judges’ decision an “execution of democracy.” He stated that the judges, in rendering this verdict, “decided to exclude Marine Le Pen from the presidential race.” Bardella also highlighted the international support Le Pen has received from figures such as Donald Trump, who saw this conviction as an attack on democratic values:
- “This reminds many of us of political trials,” Trump declared.
- Jair Bolsonaro echoed this sentiment, arguing that it was “persecution.”
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Context and Implications of the Conviction
In the context of the trial of the National Rally (RN) parliamentary assistants, this conviction could have disastrous consequences for Le Pen. The judgment took several factors into account:
- There was a “system” in place between 2004 and 2016 illustrating savings made at the expense of public funds.
- The Paris court ruled that the presidential candidacy of a person convicted of such acts would be a “major disturbance of public order.”
- Le Pen’s statement, calling it a “disastrous day for our democracy,” reinforces the notion of political victimization.
Legal Nature of the Decision
Attorney General Rémi Heitz argued that this judgment was not political, but rather judicial. In this three-judge panel, respect for the law prevailed, despite criticism. This highlights growing tensions between the judiciary and the National Rally (RN). The evidence raised during the trial demonstrates that:
- The alleged acts are based on concrete facts, well beyond a simple “administrative disagreement.”
- Threats against judges were reported, prompting the High Council of the Judiciary to speak out in defense of judicial independence.
- Olivier Faure, First Secretary of the Socialist Party, described this dynamic as “problematic,” believing it essential that all elected officials, including Le Pen, be held accountable to the courts.
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Potential impact on the 2027 elections
With a conviction which excludes Marine Le Pen from the next presidential election, the future direction of the RN is at stake. Jordan Bardella, tipped to take over, put an end to speculation about his status by saying that as long as all avenues of appeal are not exhausted, it is out of the question to declare plan B. The RN is navigating through difficult terrain where several questions arise:
- Will the RN be able to unify around a new candidate in the event of Le Pen’s confirmed ineligibility?
- How will popular support evolve in the face of this crisis situation?
- Who will take over if Le Pen really has to step down?
As America and Europe take a look at France, it will be interesting to follow how this affair will influence not only the RN, but also the political scene as a whole, especially with the 2027 presidential election on the horizon.
Read more about the RN counter-offensive
Source: www.lemonde.fr
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