Marine Le Pen convicted: the National Rally reacts strongly, Jordan Bardella calls the decision “disproportionate”
In a decisive turn of events for the French political landscape, Marine Le Pen’s conviction has shaken things up. The leader of the National Rally (RN) was found guilty of misappropriating public funds, which entails not only a five-year ban from holding public office but also a two-year prison sentence, one of which is a mandatory minimum. This verdict has sparked heated reactions within the party, with Jordan Bardella leading the criticism, calling the sentence “disproportionate” and a “political decision.” As the RN tries to reorganize 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 increasingly pressing.
The RN’s reaction to Marine Le Pen’s conviction
- Less than 24 hours after the verdict, 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 strategy, is accompanied by a call for a swift appeal to maintain Le Pen’s candidacy. Here’s how the National Rally (RN) is reacting:
- Jordan Bardella is urging popular mobilization.
- A petition of support has been launched, bearing the slogan “Save democracy.”
Party leaders are speaking out on various platforms, denouncing a “tyranny of the judges.”
Statements by Jordan Bardella
- On CNews and Europe 1, the RN president described the judges’ decision as “the execution of democracy.” He asserted that the judges, in rendering this verdict, “decided to eliminate Marine Le Pen from the presidential race.” Bardella also highlighted the international support Le Pen has received, from figures like Donald Trump, who saw this conviction as an attack on democratic values:
Sur le meme sujet
In response, Jair Bolsonaro expressed his support, arguing that it was a case of “persecution.”
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QD525A0I8dA
- Context and Implications of the Conviction
- In the context of the trial of the National Rally’s parliamentary assistants, this conviction could have disastrous consequences for Le Pen. The verdict 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 a presidential candidacy of someone convicted of such acts would constitute a “major threat to public order.”
- Le Pen’s statement, calling it “a dark day for our democracy,” reinforces the idea of political victimhood.
- Legal Nature of the Decision
- The 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 the criticism leveled against them. This underscores a growing tension between the judiciary and the National Rally (RN). The evidence presented during the trial demonstrates that:
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Threats against the 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,” arguing that it is essential that all elected officials, including Le Pen, be held accountable to the justice system.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aBRjBoz7Es
- Potential impact on the 2027 elections
With a conviction that rules Marine Le Pen out of the next presidential election, the future leadership of the National Rally (RN) is in question. Jordan Bardella, widely expected to take over, put an end to speculation about his status by saying that until all legal avenues are exhausted, declaring himself a plan B is out of the question. The RN is navigating difficult waters where several questions arise:
Will the RN be able to unite around a new candidate if Le Pen’s ineligibility is confirmed?
How will popular support evolve in the face of this crisis? Who will take up the mantle if Le Pen truly has to withdraw from the political scene?
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