Marine Le Pen Vows Peaceful Fight Against Office Ban Amid Paris Rally

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has pledged a peaceful, democratic fight against her recent five-year ban from holding public office. Drawing inspiration from American civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., Le Pen made the statement in a video address to Italy’s Lega party, led by Matteo Salvini. Her remarks came as approximately 15,000 supporters rallied in Paris, waving French flags and chanting “we will win,” protesting what she calls a politically motivated ruling aimed at ending her career.

Le Pen and members of her National Rally (RN) party were convicted last week by a Paris court for embezzling EU funds. The ruling bars her from running in the 2027 French presidential election unless successfully appealed within 18 months. Le Pen is appealing the verdict, with a final ruling expected by summer 2026.

Despite the court decision, Le Pen remains a leading contender for the 2027 election. A recent Elabe poll shows her leading with 32%–36% of first-round support, ahead of former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe at 20.5%–24%. However, public response to her claims of judicial persecution has been mixed. An Odoxa poll reveals that 65% of respondents were not shocked by the verdict, and 54% believe Le Pen was treated fairly.

Leftist groups held a counter-protest in Paris’s Place de la République, denouncing Le Pen’s criticism of the judiciary. Centrist politicians, including former prime ministers Gabriel Attal and Philippe, also condemned the RN’s rhetoric, defending the integrity of French institutions.

Le Pen, 56, remains defiant, vowing to use all legal means to reverse the ban and continue her political journey. The outcome could significantly shape the future of French and European politics.