Marine Le Pen, the Deputy of the French National Assembly, began by expressing gratitude for the support surrounding her recent conviction. “Thank you for your presence, for being by our side to uphold what this decision has walked over,” she stated. She specifically acknowledged the foreign figures, heads of government, and political parties who have spoken out, especially her European partners.
The situation escalated when a reporter in the Oval Office asked President Trump about Le Pen’s conviction. “What happened in France today, Mr. President?” the reporter inquired. Trump responded with, “That’s a big deal. That’s a very big deal,” highlighting that many believed she wouldn’t be convicted. He noted that she is now banned from running for office for five years, calling it a reflection of the political climate that resembles the United States.
Geert Wilders, the leader of the Netherlands Party for Freedom, weighed in on the matter, stating, “In France, our good friend Marine Le Pen has been sentenced to prison and banned from running in the next presidential elections. Why? Because she was going to win them.” He drew comparisons to Turkey, suggesting that France has deteriorated in its democratic principles. Wilders expressed confidence that Le Pen would win her appeal and become the next president of France, emphasizing bravery and perseverance in the face of adversity.
He urged his supporters to be “brave like Matteo Salvini, be brave like Marine Le Pen. Never give in, fight the good fight.” Wilders concluded by celebrating the successes of patriots in various European nations, declaring, “Long live Italy, long live the Netherlands, long live the free nations of Europe.”
Fabrice Leggeri, a Member of the European Parliament, condemned the decision to prevent Le Pen from running, calling it “an unjustifiable decision.” He described the ruling as a democratic scandal and warned of an “unprecedented authoritarian drift” in France. Leggeri noted that attempts to silence opposition voices are occurring globally, emphasizing that those in power are trying to eliminate Le Pen through the courts because they cannot defeat her at the ballot box.
He rallied the crowd, urging them to mobilize and defend the rule of law and democracy. “It is time to open our eyes, to mobilize, and to defend the rule of law in respect of the people and of democracy,” he asserted.
“This isn’t justice. This is referred to as a witch hunt,” Le Pen declared. She criticized the relationship between certain judges and the media, asserting that justice should not serve as a tool in a media war against politicians. The media received the judgment on the same evening as the deliberation, while her lawyers only obtained it the next day.
She continued, stating that the fight for the rule of law is a collective responsibility: “This fight for the rule of law is not only ours—it belongs to society as a whole, to the institution itself, to the judicial community, and of course to the Head of State.” Le Pen called for a restoration of trust in justice, believing that this case could lead to greater awareness of the state of the rule of law in France.
Le Pen reminded her supporters that the attacks against them are a sign of their progress. “The reasons why they attack us so harshly, with such dishonesty—never forget that they do this for one reason only—we’re in the process of winning,” she said, urging everyone to remain steadfast. “We are the party of builders, the party of conquerors, the party of tireless lovers of our great and beautiful nation.”
She concluded with a call to action, asking for perseverance, courage, and hope: “It will be a tremendous political and human adventure for each of you. It will be the highest mission of your life. And when victory comes, it will mark the dawn of a new renaissance for France.”
