Le Pen Compares Conviction to Civil Rights Struggle, Faces Backlash and Rally

Marine Le Pen, leader of the French far-right, drew a comparison between her supporters' actions in response to her embezzlement conviction and Martin Luther King Jr.'s fight for civil rights. This conviction has resulted in a five-year ban from public office, potentially hindering her aspirations to win the French presidency in 2027.

In response to the far-right's planned rally, left-wing groups and centrists organized counter-gatherings. The judges who issued the conviction have also received threats. Le Pen, speaking before the rally, encouraged her supporters to find inspiration in Martin Luther King Jr.'s nonviolent approach to the struggle for equal rights for Black Americans.

At a meeting of President Emmanuel Macron's Renaissance party, former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal criticized the far-right for attacking the judiciary and institutions. Former Prime Minister Francois Bayrou also expressed disapproval of the planned rally, stating it was undesirable to protest the court's decision.

Le Pen, aged 56, was convicted of embezzling European Parliament funds, leading to a partly suspended jail term and the ban from holding public office. Her supporters have labeled the ruling as politically motivated, while President Macron has affirmed the independence of the French judiciary. Former US President Donald Trump described the sentence as a "witch hunt."

Left-wing groups, including members of the France Unbowed party, held a counter-rally, with their coordinator, Manuel Bompard, accusing the far-right of revealing its true nature after years of attempting to appear mainstream. He characterized the far-right as a threat to democracy and the rule of law, highlighting their alleged threats against judges.

Despite the conviction, polls suggest Le Pen would likely win the first round of the presidential election if she were to run. Jordan Bardella, the head of Le Pen's National Rally, believes the ruling will increase support for the party and has framed the rally as a demonstration in support of French democracy. Police sources estimate that 8,000 people were expected to attend the rally.