Le Pen's Conviction Sparks Nationwide Protests in France

Following Marine Le Pen's conviction for embezzlement of EU funds and her subsequent five-year ban from running for office, the far-right National Rally (RN) is mobilizing support for her appeal. Party president Jordan Bardella has called for a nationwide protest, stating that the ruling undermines democracy and expressing the belief that the will of the people should prevail. A survey revealed that 42% of the French public agrees with the court's decision, complicating the party's claim of injustice. The court sentenced Le Pen to two years in prison with an electronic ankle bracelet, alongside a €100,000 fine, while the RN faces a €1 million penalty. Bardella's rhetoric emphasizes that the party perceives this ruling as a politically motivated attack against Le Pen, aiming to thwart her 2027 presidential ambitions. The RN is actively promoting petitions and calls for peaceful mobilization to rally support and challenge the judicial decision.