On April 6, 2025, thousands of supporters of France's far-right National Rally (RN) gathered in Paris to protest the recent conviction of their leader, Marine Le Pen, for embezzling €4.4 million in European Union funds. The court's decision included a four-year prison sentence (two years suspended), a €100,000 fine, and a five-year ban from holding public office, effectively barring her from the 2027 presidential election. 

The rally, held near Les Invalides, was marked by fervent displays of support, with attendees waving French flags and chanting "Marine Présidente!" Le Pen addressed the crowd, denouncing the verdict as a "political decision" and likening her struggle to that of Martin Luther King Jr., emphasizing a commitment to peaceful and democratic resistance. 

Jordan Bardella, RN's president and Le Pen's protégé, also spoke at the event, criticizing the judiciary for what he described as an attempt to silence political opposition. He urged supporters to remain steadfast, stating, "March 29 was a dark day for France. The people must be free to choose their leaders—without interference from political judges." 

Simultaneously, left-wing and centrist groups organized counter-demonstrations across Paris, including a significant gathering at Place de la République. These protesters accused the RN of undermining democratic institutions and warned against a "Trumpist turn" in French politics. 

The events underscore a deepening political divide in France, with the RN framing the conviction as an attack on democracy, while opponents view the protests as a challenge to the rule of law. As Le Pen prepares to appeal the ruling, the nation's political landscape remains fraught with tension and uncertainty