Marine Le Pen vows to fight against election ban after court ruling

In France, thousands gathered in Paris on Sunday to protest a court ruling that effectively bans Marine Le Pen from the 2027 presidential election. This demonstration took place at the Place Vauban square, where supporters of the National Rally, Le Pen's political party, rallied against the judicial decision that found her guilty of embezzling funds intended for European Union parliamentary aides. Le Pen's conviction occurred on April 1, 2025, which she is currently appealing, maintaining her innocence. Her sentencing includes a five-year ban from public office, two years in prison, two years under house arrest, and a fine of 100,000 euros. As the runner-up in both the 2017 and 2022 presidential elections, Le Pen is seen as the frontrunner for the upcoming race in 2027, making the prospect of her being sidelined due to legal troubles particularly contentious. In her address to the crowd, Le Pen declared her intent to continue fighting for her political rights, comparing her struggle to historical civil disobedience movements. This rally also saw significant attendance from her party’s leadership, including Jordan Bardella, who emphasized the need to persist in their political efforts despite the judicial challenges they face. Counter-demonstrations organized by leftist groups highlighted opposition to the far-right National Rally, with accusations that the party is undermining democracy in France. The tensions between supporters and critics of Le Pen illustrate a deepening divide in French politics, as concerns over judicial integrity and political influence become increasingly pronounced. The ongoing narrative among rally participants positions the courts as politically motivated, further fueling the discourse around civil rights and political freedom within the country. As the July 2026 verdict looms, it is expected to have significant ramifications for Le Pen and the National Rally, along with the broader political landscape in France.