The Guardian view on the Marine Le Pen verdict: no politician is above the law | Editorial
GuardianMAR 28
France: Bardella Calls for Weekend Protest as Le Pen Appeal Confirmed
Above: President of Rassemblement National parliamentary group Marine Le Pen attends a session of questions to the government at the National Assembly, France's lower house parliament, in Paris on April 1, 2025. Image copyright: ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
Marine Le Pen’s conviction is not an attack on democracy – it is a necessary affirmation of the rule of law. She was found guilty of embezzling millions in EU funds, and holding political office should not grant immunity. The real threat to democracy would be allowing corruption to go unpunished. Justice must remain impartial, and those who seek power must be held accountable like any other citizen.
Right narrative
Marine Le Pen's conviction raises serious concerns about political bias in the French judiciary. While legal accountability is essential, the severity of her punishment — far harsher than past scandals by establishment figures — suggests selective enforcement. Justice should be impartial, not a tool to eliminate political rivals. Such rulings undermine democratic trust and fuel cynicism.