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Marine Le Pen Vows Peaceful Fight Against Political Ban
Le Pen Responds to Five-Year Ineligibility Ruling
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen declared on Sunday that she will mount a peaceful and democratic fight to overturn a five-year ban preventing her from running for office. The ban stems from a Paris court conviction last week, which found Le Pen and members of her National Rally (RN) party guilty of embezzling European Union funds.
Unless overturned, the ruling bars Le Pen from participating in France’s 2027 presidential election, where she was considered a front-runner.
Drawing Inspiration from Martin Luther King Jr.
In a video address to Italian far-right leader Matteo Salvini’s Lega party in Florence, Le Pen stated:
“We will follow Martin Luther King as an example. Our fight will be a peaceful fight, a democratic fight.”
By referencing the American civil rights icon, Le Pen sought to frame her battle as one rooted in principle and democratic values.
Supporters Rally in Paris
On Sunday afternoon, Le Pen’s supporters gathered in central Paris for a peaceful protest, voicing their rejection of what Le Pen has described as a politically motivated case aimed at her “political death.” The protest served as an early measure of how much public support she retains despite the conviction.
Strong Polling Numbers Despite Legal Setback
Despite the court ruling, a poll by Elabe conducted on Saturday showed that Le Pen remains the leading candidate in projected first-round results for 2027, with support ranging from 32% to 36%. Former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe followed behind, polling at 20.5% to 24%.
Le Pen reaffirmed her commitment to challenging the decision:
“We will use all the tools and legal means to be able to present ourselves in the presidential elections.”
Legal Appeal Underway
Le Pen has officially appealed the conviction, and the court is expected to rule on the matter in the summer of 2026 — just months before the next presidential campaign begins in earnest.
A Critical Turning Point for France’s Far-Right
This legal and political battle could have significant implications for the future of the far right in France. If the conviction is upheld, Le Pen may be forced to step aside, potentially reshaping the leadership and strategy of the National Rally ahead of 2027.
“Marine Le Pen Vows Peaceful Fight Against Political Ban” “Marine Le Pen Vows Peaceful Fight Against Political Ban” “Marine Le Pen Vows Peaceful Fight Against Political Ban”