French far-right figure Jordan Bardella has announced plans for a rally in central Paris this Sunday, igniting protests against a recent court decision that imposes a five-year ban on Marine Le Pen from running for any public office. This ruling follows her conviction for being involved in an operation that embezzled €2.9 million ($3.4 million; £2.5 million) from European Union funds between 2004 and 2016, significantly impacting her aspirations for the presidency in 2027.
During a press conference, Bardella, who leads the National Rally (RN) party, emphasized the need for the French populace to express their outrage regarding the ruling. The Paris Court of Appeal has indicated that a ruling on the case could be expected by the summer of 2026, mere months before the presidential election. “We’ll take to the streets this weekend,” Bardella declared, advocating for "democratic, peaceful, calm mobilisations" during the upcoming protest, scheduled to take place at Place Vauban near the Eiffel Tower.
Le Pen joined Bardella in decrying the situation, referring to the court's ruling as a "nuclear bomb" aimed at preventing their party from gaining power. She asserted that the "system" employed a "powerful weapon" to undermine the National Rally, given their potential electoral success. "We will not let them get away with it," she insisted, urging her supporters to channel their “outrage and hurt” into motivation as they strive for victory in upcoming elections.
Earlier, Bardella criticized what he referred to as the "tyranny of the judges," claiming that attempts were being made to thwart RN's rise to power. Both he and Le Pen condemned recent threats directed at judges concerning their verdicts. Reports revealed that Bénédicte de Perthuis, the leading judge in Le Pen's case, has been placed under police protection following the threats received.
Le Pen, who was planning a fourth presidential run, faces a significant hurdle with the legal ruling—yet she remains defiant, refusing to be sidelined by the decision. Meanwhile, it remains unclear whether Bardella may be viewed as a backup candidate for the RN, despite indications from party spokesman Laurent Jacobelli that he could be a viable alternative if Le Pen were unable to run. Polls suggest that a significant portion of the RN electorate would support Bardella over Le Pen in a presidential contest.
Le Pen's political allies across Europe, including figures like Hungary’s Viktor Orban and US President Donald Trump, have voiced their support, calling the conviction a severe blow to democracy. Furthermore, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni echoed this sentiment, stating that "no-one who cares about democracy can rejoice” at a decision that disenfranchises millions.
In addition to her ban, Le Pen was handed a €100,000 (£82,635) fine and a four-year prison sentence, two years of which are suspended. However, these penalties will not take effect until the appeals process is fully resolved, which might extend for several years, casting uncertainty over her political ambitions.
