Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally (RN), was barred from running for public office after being convicted of embezzlement, effectively thwarting her plans for a presidential run in France in 2027.
Political reactions from France and beyond followed her sentencing:
"France is sending Le Pen to jail and barring her from running. Are they just trying to prove that some were right about everything?"
"As a former French president, my only response is to respect the independence of the judicial system. Ms. Le Pen, like all others who have been convicted, can appeal the ruling on her ineligibility."
"When the radical left cannot win through democratic means, they exploit the legal system to imprison their opponents. This is a standard tactic seen globally."
"This ruling exemplifies left-wing judicial activism. Where the right-wing is present, the left and the system work to eliminate their adversaries."
"Today, it is not only Marine Le Pen who has been unjustly condemned; it is French democracy that has been undermined."
"The democratic future of our nation has been seized by a corrupt judicial cabal. A favored candidate in the presidential election is being prevented from running. This is not a mere dysfunction; it’s a systematic effort to eliminate any candidate who is too far to the right and who has a chance of winning."
"It is not the judges' role to determine who the people should vote for. Regardless of our disagreements, Marine Le Pen has the legitimacy to seek election."
"Last week, many politicians, including Marine Le Pen and the National Rally, called for a firm and respected justice system. My question to the National Rally is: at what poll standing do you believe you are above the law?"
"Ms. Le Pen is a politician demanding judicial firmness. If that is the case, then she should respect the judicial system."
"France Unbowed has never expected to use the courts as a tactic to eliminate the National Rally. We confront them at the ballot box and in the streets, mobilizing the French people, as we did during the 2024 legislative elections. We will fight again in the polls, no matter their candidate."
"Let's clarify: Marine Le Pen and her 20 accomplices are not victims; they are guilty of providing fictitious employment. Additionally, Marine Le Pen has been the most vocal on this issue, calling for lifelong immunity for all elected officials convicted while in office."
"Marine Le Pen has guided our camp toward victory. That is her only 'crime,' and that is why she was convicted."
"Those who fear the judgment of voters often seek solace in the rulings of the courts. In Paris, they have condemned Marine Le Pen and are trying to exclude her from political life—a disconcerting trend we also observe in other countries, such as Romania. We will not be intimidated; we will push forward!"
"Indeed, more European capitals are disregarding democratic norms. Of course, we do not wish to interfere in France's internal affairs, nor have we ever done so. However, our observations indicate a troubling trend among European capitals extending beyond democratic principles during political processes."
"I am shocked by the harsh verdict against Marine Le Pen. I support her completely and trust that she will win her appeal and become President of France."
"Targeting or eliminating a political opponent by any means is a tactic straight from the playbook of totalitarian regimes. This has occurred today in France."
"As a Member of the European Parliament, Marine Le Pen viewed the European Union merely as a self-service store to fund herself and her party. The French court is right to put an end to her political ambitions. Le Pen's situation should serve as a warning to all corrupt politicians on both the left and right: in a democratic system, fraud and corruption will eventually be exposed."