- Marine Le Pen faces a five-year ban from running for office after a conviction for embezzling EU funds.
- Her legal fight and rhetoric against judges have alienated older voters in Toulon, a former far-right stronghold.
- Polls show most French citizens support the court’s decision and are not shocked by the verdict.
- Younger voters in the RN party view Jordan Bardella as a potential successor to Le Pen.
- Le Pen has called for a peaceful mass protest in Paris to demonstrate public support.
Le Pen’s Legal Battle Divides French Voters in Toulon
Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s far-right National Rally (RN) party, faces a significant political setback following her conviction for embezzling European Union funds. The Paris court ruling imposed a five-year ban on her ability to run for office, jeopardizing her chances in the 2027 presidential election unless she successfully appeals the decision next summer.
Conviction and Public Reaction
The court’s verdict has stirred controversy across France, particularly in Toulon, a city with historical ties to the far-right. While Le Pen has called for a peaceful mass protest in Paris to highlight what she describes as a “democratic crisis,” her aggressive rhetoric against the judiciary has sparked mixed reactions. Notably, the lead judge in her case has been placed under police protection following death threats, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to condemn these threats as “unbearable and intolerable.”
Polls conducted by Odoxa reveal that 65% of respondents were “not shocked” by the court’s decision, and 54% believe Le Pen was treated like any other defendant. “The RN’s point doesn’t fly with the wider public opinion,” said Gael Sliman of Odoxa, emphasizing the risks of attacking judges, especially for a party seeking to broaden its appeal.
Challenges in Toulon
Toulon, a port city that once served as a stronghold for the far-right, has become a focal point in assessing Le Pen’s political future. Older voters, who form a critical demographic for the RN, have expressed dissatisfaction with Le Pen’s approach. Yvon Castel, a 72-year-old longtime RN voter, criticized her response to the court ruling, stating, “She’s not above the law.” Similarly, Francoise Bellis, a 77-year-old pensioner, supported the verdict, adding, “You can’t steal 4 million euros like that from people.”
The city’s history with the far-right has also resurfaced. Toulon was governed by the National Front (the predecessor to the RN) in the late 1990s, but the tenure ended in scandal and financial mismanagement under former mayor Jean-Marie Le Chevallier. Laure Lavalette, an RN representative in Toulon, is expected to run for mayor in 2026, but Le Pen’s conviction may hinder her chances. “The people in Toulon are going to think twice before giving their vote to the RN now,” said Eddie Goujit, a young entrepreneur and mayoral candidate.
The Bardella Factor
Le Pen’s legal troubles have opened the door for internal competition within the RN. Jordan Bardella, the 29-year-old party president and Le Pen’s protégé, is gaining popularity among younger, working-class voters. While Bardella must navigate the delicate balance between loyalty to Le Pen and his own political ambitions, some RN supporters see him as a promising alternative. Constance Pellegrini, a 30-year-old RN supporter, commented, “The political world is scared of her. But fingers crossed the young Bardella will replace her.”
Implications for the RN
Le Pen’s legal battle and the court’s decision have broader implications for the RN’s strategy and appeal. While her defiance may resonate with some loyal supporters, it risks alienating moderate voters who are not anti-establishment. The RN’s attempts to professionalize its image and distance itself from past controversies may be undermined by the current scandal.
As Le Pen prepares for her appeal and continues her campaign against the judiciary, the upcoming mass protest in Paris will serve as a litmus test for her public support. Meanwhile, the RN must grapple with internal divisions and the potential rise of Bardella as a new face for the party.
Additional information from Reuters.