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Marine Le Pen on link to Italian League congress: ‘Conviction threatens democracy in France’

The former Rassemblement National leader attacks the ruling barring her from running in the 2027 presidential election, during the Italian League’s federal party congress in Florence

During a video link-up with the League’s congress in Florence, Marine Le Pen commented on her recent conviction by the Court of Paris, which includes four years in prison, including two with an electronic bracelet, a fine of 100,000 euros and five years of ineligibility with immediate effect. A ruling that prevents her from participating in the 2027 French presidential election. “This decision puts an end to all principles of the rule of law,” said the former Rassemblement National president, adding that the conviction prevents her from having the right to double jeopardy.

An attack on democracy, according to Le Pen

Le Pen stressed that this ruling does not only affect her personally, but calls into question the future of France and its democracy. “It is not an attack against me, but against the French people, who will not have the opportunity to choose their candidate,” she said. According to the former Rassemblement National leader, polls gave her as one of the favorites in the upcoming presidential election, which makes the decision preventing her from running even more serious.

The fight against the ruling

Le Pen then vowed that she will legally fight the ruling, using “all legal means” to stand in the 2027 presidential election and stop what she considers an attack on France’s democratic functioning. “Ours will be a peaceful, democratic struggle,” she declared with determination.

Matteo Salvini’s support

Matteo Salvini, leader of the League, expressed solidarity with Le Pen, calling her condemnation an “act of violence, arrogance and injustice.” “I hope this human before political affection comes to you, Marine,” he added, prompting a big applause from the congressional audience for the former French leader. Le Pen, moved, responded by thanking Salvini, pointing out that he too had gone through similar experiences.

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