Le Pen supporters rally in Paris, turning a protest into a populist show of force
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France: Le Pen Vows to Fight 'Political' Embezzlement Conviction
Above: Marine Le Pen speaks at a rally in Paris, France, on Apr. 6, 2025. Image copyright: Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu/Contributor via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
There is nothing political about Le Pen's conviction, leading to her ban on holding public office for five years. A lengthy court case found her guilty of embezzling the funds and judges are simply applying the laws that have been enacted.
Narrative B
While Le Pen has not exhausted her legal options, meaning she could still be cleared of these allegations, judges have taken the extraordinary and arbitrary step of banning her from political office while she's the leading candidate. This is clearly a case of political persecution.