Far-right leader Marine Le Pen has urged her supporters to “follow the example” of American civil-rights advocate Martin Luther King as they prepare for a rally in Paris against a court ruling that convicted her of embezzlement and banned her from holding public office. The conviction, which could potentially end her presidential hopes for 2027, has stunned the country’s political establishment.
Le Pen, who is appealing the verdict, has vowed “not to let the presidency be stolen.” Despite the ruling, polls indicate she would easily top the first round of the two-round presidential vote if she ran, with up to 36 percent of the vote. Her National Rally party has called on supporters to mobilize and defend freedom, save democracy, and support Marine.
However, counter gatherings were staged by left-wing forces and centrist camp against the far-right rally, while judges who convicted Le Pen have received threats. Meanwhile, former prime minister Gabriel Attal accused the far right of “attacking our judges, attacking our institutions,” warning of an “existential threat to the rule of law.”
Le Pen’s supporters have taken inspiration from King’s struggle for civil rights, with some comparing her to Martin Luther King herself. Despite the controversy surrounding her conviction, Le Pen remains a strong contender in the 2027 presidential elections, with analysts saying she is forced to play the victim card to retain voter support.
Source: https://www.france24.com/en/france/20250406-french-far-right-rally-against-marine-le-pen-conviction-bardella-paris-marseilles-national-rally