- Thousands gathered in Paris to support Marine Le Pen after her embezzlement conviction.
- The rally blurred lines between protest and campaign, with chants of “Marine Présidente!”
- Rising star Jordan Bardella condemned France’s judiciary, framing the ruling as political persecution.
Marine Le Pen’s supporters transformed a protest in Paris into a populist display of loyalty, despite her recent conviction for misusing European Parliament funds.
Jordan Bardella, the 29-year-old party president, intensified the rhetoric by accusing judges of attempting to sabotage democracy. His speech mirrored global populist narratives, painting the justice system as an elite tool to silence dissent.
Justice or Vendetta? Le Pen Verdict Sparks National Division in France
Le Pen’s conviction marks a significant legal milestone. A major political figure was sentenced for embezzling EU funds and banned from public office. Supporters, however, are rallying around her with renewed energy. They assert the ruling is an attack on the people’s voice.
The rally at Place Vauban drew thousands, transforming into a symbolic campaign moment. Protesters equated Le Pen’s plight with Trump’s, using slogans like “Trump can run — why not Marine?” The sentiment revealed a growing alignment between global right-wing populist movements.
Observers, including political scholars, question the speed of Le Pen’s appeal, which is set for summer 2026. This timing is unusually early in French legal terms. Critics see this as a strategic move to resolve her legal status before the 2027 election. The situation has prompted debate about judicial independence.
Bardella’s sharp tone signals his emergence as a central figure, potentially stepping up as Le Pen’s successor. While pledging to respect democracy, he warned of a system “determined to crush dissent.” This statement appeals to a base increasingly skeptical of France’s institutions.
The Paris rally reveals a country deeply split over the meaning of justice and power. The event raises the question of whether Le Pen’s downfall represents accountability or a calculated suppression of populist voices.
“The people must be free to choose their leaders — without interference from political judges.” – Jordan Bardella
