French far-right leader Marine Le Pen rallied her supporters in Paris, citing a court’s conviction as a “witch hunt” orchestrated by the establishment. The rally came after Le Pen was barred from running for political office for five years due to embezzlement charges. Despite the turnout of 10,000 people, analysts say Le Pen might struggle to mobilize support, given France’s strong public confidence in its justice system.
Le Pen denies any wrongdoing and claims the courts are targeting her because of her far-right views. However, several polls indicate that most French people view the conviction as positive. Other politicians have faced similar charges and been banned from politics. Le Pen’s party is now exploring alternative options, with some members considering supporting her deputy Jordan Bardella in the 2027 presidential election.
The case will be heard by France’s highest appeals court, and Le Pen may appeal the electoral ban. Analysts predict she will continue to try to delegitimize the courts and maintain attention on her case. The incident has sparked debate about the role of democratic institutions and the impact of rhetoric on public trust in the judiciary.
The rally was seen as a demonstration of Le Pen’s base’s support, but experts warn that her message may resonate more with her existing supporters rather than winning over broader French audiences. As Le Pen navigates this uncertain future, she must balance her efforts to maintain her party’s momentum with the risks of damaging public trust in democratic institutions.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/04/08/le-pen-france-trump-national-rally