A massive rally took place in central Paris in support of Marine Le Pen, the leader of the parliamentary faction of the “National Rally” party. The demonstration was organized in response to a recent court ruling banning her from holding public office.
From early morning, people began gathering at Place Vauban, which was completely filled by the start of the event. French flags waved above the crowd, and screens near the stage displayed messages of support, including: “Youth with Marine!” Participants ranged in age from students to senior citizens.
Jordan Bardella, head of the National Rally, addressed the crowd, calling the court’s decision “a black day in history” and accusing the authorities of politically motivated action aimed at preventing Le Pen from running in the 2027 presidential election. Marine Le Pen also took the stage to speak to her supporters.
This is not justice, it is a political purge. It is an attempt to silence millions of French voices. But I will not back down. I will not give up, she declared.
The rally was largely peaceful, though not without incidents. Several activists from the Femen movement attempted to disrupt the event by entering the square with anti-extremist slogans. Police quickly intervened and detained the demonstrators.
Earlier this week, a Paris court found Marine Le Pen and several of her associates guilty of misusing European Parliament funds. Investigators concluded that between 2004 and 2016, individuals listed as parliamentary assistants were in fact working for the party itself, while being paid from the EU budget.
The court sentenced Le Pen to a five-year ban on holding elected office, two years of house arrest with an electronic ankle monitor, and a €100,000 fine. The National Rally party has been ordered to pay €1 million in compensation. The ruling takes effect immediately, casting doubt on Le Pen’s ability to run in the 2027 presidential election.
