Marine Le Pen Convicted of Embezzlement; Political Reactions Emerge
The former leader of France’s National Rally is found guilty in a Paris court, prompting responses from various European political figures.
Marine Le Pen, former president of France's far-right National Rally (RN) and leader of its parliamentary group, was found guilty of embezzlement related to illegal party financing in a Paris court on Monday.
The court sentenced Le Pen to four years in prison and imposed a fine of €100,000, additionally barring her from running for public office immediately.
The conviction represents a significant setback for Le Pen, who was considered a potential candidate for the upcoming 2027 presidential election, according to recent polls.
The judgment has prompted a wave of reactions from her allies both in France and across the globe.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was prompt in expressing solidarity with Le Pen.
Through a brief post on social media platform X, he stated, "Je suis Marine!" in support of the convicted politician.
Prior to the 2022 presidential election, Le Pen secured a loan of €10.6 million from a now-defunct bank owned by Hungary's wealthiest individual, Lorinc Meszaros, which has raised eyebrows regarding financial practices within her party.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized the ruling, describing it as a violation of democratic norms while insisting that Russia does not wish to interfere in France's internal matters.
Peskov cited a trend in European capitals of undermining democracy in political processes.
In Romania, George Simion, an anti-Hungarian candidate from the far-right AUR party, also condemned the ruling.
Simion characterized the legal actions against Le Pen as an attack typical of totalitarian regimes that seek to eliminate political opponents.
Matteo Salvini, the head of Italy's right-wing League party and current Deputy Prime Minister, remarked on the ruling, suggesting that courts often provide comfort to those fearful of the electorate's judgment.
He indicated that attempts to sideline Le Pen from political life resemble what is happening in Romania.
Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders expressed astonishment at the severity of the ruling against Le Pen, affirming his unwavering support for her and his belief in her ability to successfully appeal the decision, aiming for the presidency of France.
Additionally, Marion Maréchal, Le Pen's niece and a Member of the European Parliament, publicly stated that Le Pen had led their political faction toward victory, underscoring her belief that this was the only charge against her for which she had been convicted.
The political fallout from Le Pen's conviction continues to unfold as responses from European leaders highlight the broader implications for far-right movements across the continent.
The court sentenced Le Pen to four years in prison and imposed a fine of €100,000, additionally barring her from running for public office immediately.
The conviction represents a significant setback for Le Pen, who was considered a potential candidate for the upcoming 2027 presidential election, according to recent polls.
The judgment has prompted a wave of reactions from her allies both in France and across the globe.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was prompt in expressing solidarity with Le Pen.
Through a brief post on social media platform X, he stated, "Je suis Marine!" in support of the convicted politician.
Prior to the 2022 presidential election, Le Pen secured a loan of €10.6 million from a now-defunct bank owned by Hungary's wealthiest individual, Lorinc Meszaros, which has raised eyebrows regarding financial practices within her party.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized the ruling, describing it as a violation of democratic norms while insisting that Russia does not wish to interfere in France's internal matters.
Peskov cited a trend in European capitals of undermining democracy in political processes.
In Romania, George Simion, an anti-Hungarian candidate from the far-right AUR party, also condemned the ruling.
Simion characterized the legal actions against Le Pen as an attack typical of totalitarian regimes that seek to eliminate political opponents.
Matteo Salvini, the head of Italy's right-wing League party and current Deputy Prime Minister, remarked on the ruling, suggesting that courts often provide comfort to those fearful of the electorate's judgment.
He indicated that attempts to sideline Le Pen from political life resemble what is happening in Romania.
Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders expressed astonishment at the severity of the ruling against Le Pen, affirming his unwavering support for her and his belief in her ability to successfully appeal the decision, aiming for the presidency of France.
Additionally, Marion Maréchal, Le Pen's niece and a Member of the European Parliament, publicly stated that Le Pen had led their political faction toward victory, underscoring her belief that this was the only charge against her for which she had been convicted.
The political fallout from Le Pen's conviction continues to unfold as responses from European leaders highlight the broader implications for far-right movements across the continent.
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