Marine Le Pen Barred from Public Office

In a significant blow to the French far-right, Marine Le Pen has been declared ineligible to run for public office for the next five years, a decision that disqualifies her from the 2027 presidential election. The ruling was accompanied by a four-year prison sentence, half of which is suspended, and a hefty fine of 100,000 euros. Although Le Pen is expected to appeal, these penalties will not take effect until the appeal process is complete.

Reaction from Marion Maréchal

Marion Maréchal, a European Parliament lawmaker and Le Pen’s niece, has vocally criticized the judiciary’s decision. She argues that the judges are self-serving and have targeted Le Pen unjustly due to her potential to lead a nationalist victory. Maréchal expressed her staunch support for Le Pen in a passionate statement:

“For decades, the national camp and our family have suffered every blow, every attack, every injustice. Judges, thinking of themselves as above the sovereign people, have decided to execute in a court of law the woman they were never able to force back at the ballot box. @MLP_officiel led our side on the path to victory. This is her only culpability, and that is why she is condemned. No one on the right should pretend to be satisfied with this judgment. There was François Fillon before, Marine Le Pen today. Who will be next? I am more than ever by Marine’s side at this time.”

International Support for Le Pen

Le Pen’s sentencing has drawn criticism from other far-right leaders across Europe. Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders expressed his dismay at the severity of the verdict and voiced his support for Le Pen:

“I am shocked by the incredible tough verdict against @MLP_officiel. I support and believe in her for the full 100% and I trust she will win the appeal and become President of France.”

Court’s Justification for Immediate Enforcement

The presiding judge, Bénédicte de Perthuis, cited the potential for “major disturbance of public order” as a key reason for the immediate enforcement of the ineligibility ruling. According to de Perthuis, the risk posed by allowing a convicted individual to run in the presidential election necessitated swift action.