Overview

• Marine Le Pen's conviction for embezzlement, resulting in prison time and ineligibility, has been framed by the Rassemblement National (RN) as a politically motivated attack on democracy.
• The RN rally at Place Vauban drew 8,000 to 10,000 participants, with leaders denouncing the judiciary and positioning Le Pen as a victim of injustice.
• A counter-demonstration led by the Ecologists and La France Insoumise at Place de la République highlighted divisions within the left, as the Socialist and Communist parties abstained.
• Gabriel Attal of Renaissance held a meeting in Saint-Denis, condemning the RN's rhetoric and affirming his party's commitment to judicial independence and democratic principles.
• Le Pen's appeal process, expected to conclude by summer 2026, leaves her political future and potential 2027 presidential candidacy uncertain.