In a bold response to a recent judicial ruling, Jordan Bardella, the chief of France’s far-right National Rally (RN), has rallied the French populace to protest against the ban imposed on Marine Le Pen, who has been barred from running for public office for five years due to embezzlement of European Union funds. The announcement of protests, set to take place this weekend, comes after a ruling that Bardella decried as unjust and politically motivated.

"This is an outrage," Bardella declared in an interview with Europe 1 radio and CNews TV, urging citizens to take to the streets. “We will mobilize peacefully to restore democracy. This ruling is a direct attack on our rights.”

A Call to Action: RN's Planned Protests Across France

Bardella outlined plans for the upcoming protests, emphasizing a “democratic, peaceful” approach that would involve leaflet distributions and public meetings “everywhere in France.” Local RN officials in Le Pen’s stronghold of Henin-Beaumont have already begun distributing flyers with the rallying cry, “Let's save democracy. Support Le Pen!”

While some view Bardella as a potential successor to Le Pen as the leading candidate for the 2027 presidential election, Le Pen remains resolute in her campaign, insisting, “I will not let myself be eliminated like this."

Le Pen's Defiance and Plans for Appeal

Following the ruling, which she labeled a politicized attack intended to thwart her ambitions, Le Pen announced plans to appeal. “We won’t back down,” she told RN lawmakers, criticizing the establishment for employing what she referred to as a “nuclear bomb” against her candidacy.

The court ruled on Monday that Le Pen had been central to a scheme misappropriating over €4 million ($4.3 million) in EU funds. Judge Benedicte de Perthuis noted that the defendants showed a lack of remorse, which contributed to the immediate ban from holding public office.

As part of the ruling, Le Pen received a four-year prison sentence—two years suspended and two under home detention, alongside a €100,000 ($108,200) fine—although these penalties will not take effect until her appeals are resolved, which can typically drag on for months or even years.

Public Opinions Divided on Ruling

Despite the outrage articulated by far-right supporters both in France and across Europe, a recent opinion poll suggests that a majority of the French population is in agreement with the court's decision. Conducted by Elabe for BFM TV, the poll revealed that 57% of respondents deemed the ruling appropriate given the allegations against Le Pen, while only 42% viewed it as politically biased.

In Henin-Beaumont, reactions to the ruling were mixed. Resident Pascal Walkowiak expressed disappointment, stating, “We needed a different president, we needed the RN to win,” whereas 60-year-old Isabelle remarked, “I think it’s a good thing because she made mistakes. She can’t represent us, actually.”

Government Response Anticipated

As the situation unfolds, French President Emmanuel Macron and his centre-right government have yet to officially comment on the ruling. Sources indicate that Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has expressed discomfort about the decision, while zákonodárce Pieyre-Alexandre Anglade of Macron’s Renaissance party expressed skepticism regarding the potential for mass protests. “Would 300,000 people rally in support of Le Pen? No,” he noted, referencing the popular locations for large demonstrations in Paris.

With the weekend protests fast approaching, all eyes are on the National Rally and their determination to contest a ruling that could redefine the political landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.