'Je Suis Marine': Global Right-Wing Leaders Condemn Le Pen’s Election Ban

Marine Le Pen has been barred from running in France's 2027 presidential election following a court ruling on an embezzlement case, a decision that could have profound implications for both French and international politics. The verdict is a significant setback for the 56-year-old leader of the National Rally (RN), a key figure in the European far-right movement and a top contender for the presidency.

This ruling disrupts the already uncertain political landscape in France, complicating the succession plans for President Emmanuel Macron and further weakening his minority government, which is already facing numerous challenges. The decision has also intensified criticism among right-wing leaders globally, who argue that judicial systems are being weaponized against them.

Speaking in a televised interview on TF1, Le Pen insisted on her innocence and announced plans to appeal what she called a politically motivated verdict aimed at preventing her candidacy. While she acknowledged that the ruling currently excludes her from the 2027 race, she vowed to continue her political fight.

"Millions of French citizens are outraged by this decision, outraged to an unimaginable degree. Seeing that in France, the country of human rights, judges are implementing practices we associate with authoritarian regimes is deeply troubling," she declared.

Although her five-year ban from public office cannot be suspended through appeal, Le Pen will retain her parliamentary seat until the end of her term. She was also sentenced to four years in prison—two of which are suspended while the remaining two would be served under home detention—along with a fine of 100,000 euros ($108,200). These penalties, however, will not take effect until her appeals are exhausted.

The ruling has sparked strong reactions from right-wing figures worldwide. Billionaire Elon Musk, a vocal critic of judicial interference in politics and a supporter of European far-right figures, claimed the decision was part of a broader establishment effort to suppress political opponents.

"When the radical left can't win through democratic means, they weaponize the legal system to jail their opponents. This is their standard playbook globally," Musk wrote on X.

Le Pen's allies and far-right leaders from various countries swiftly condemned the ruling. RN president Jordan Bardella declared, "It is not just Marine Le Pen who has been unjustly convicted today—French democracy has been dealt a severe blow."

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who himself was barred from holding office until 2030 over allegations of abuse of power, described the ruling as "left-wing judicial activism." Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban posted "Je suis Marine!" in solidarity, while Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov labeled the ruling a violation of democratic norms.

France's High Council of the Judiciary issued a statement addressing the backlash, warning that political figures should not comment on ongoing legal matters. "Statements by political leaders regarding the prosecution or conviction, particularly during deliberations, are unacceptable in a democratic society," it said.

While France has enforced immediate political bans in corruption cases since the introduction of stricter laws in 2016, Le Pen's supporters argue that the judiciary is overstepping its role in policing politics.

Political analyst Arnaud Benedetti described the ruling as a defining moment in French politics. "This is a seismic political event," he said. "It will inevitably reshape the political landscape, especially on the right."