The Kremlin has strongly condemned a recent French court verdict that has disqualified far-right leader Marine Le Pen from participating in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. This ruling has sparked outrage not only in France but among Le Pen's right-wing allies across Europe, including notable figures like Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Italian League party leader Matteo Salvini, and Dutch politician Geert Wilders.
The French court found Le Pen guilty of embezzlement and ruled her ineligible for elections for the next five years. The allegations centered on the misuse of European Parliament funds, with claims that Le Pen and her co-defendants siphoned off over €4 million, including €474,000 for which Le Pen was personally held accountable as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP). This ruling has significant implications for her political future, given her role as a prominent figure in the far-right National Rally party.
In Moscow, Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for President Vladimir Putin, described the verdict as a “violation of democratic norms.” He criticized the political landscape in European capitals, suggesting that the ruling showcases a trend of undermining democracy in the political processes of Western nations. Peskov's comments highlight the Kremlin's ongoing narrative regarding the suppression of political opposition in Russia, contrasting it with the developments in Europe.
Le Pen's political career has been shadowed by her controversial connections to Russia, particularly regarding a bank loan taken out by the National Rally in 2014. The party only announced in 2023 that it had fully repaid this loan, which has fueled criticisms and accusations about her closeness to Moscow. Adding to her legal troubles, the French court imposed a €100,000 fine on Le Pen and sentenced her to four years in prison, with two years suspended. However, the court allowed for the possibility of appeal, meaning the penalties may not take immediate effect.
The ruling has ignited a wave of support for Le Pen from various right-wing leaders in Europe. Viktor Orbán expressed solidarity with Le Pen, stating, “Je suis Marine!” after the verdict was initially announced. Similarly, Matteo Salvini condemned the decision, comparing it to political maneuvers observed in other countries like Romania, where authorities have also been accused of undermining democracy. “We will not be intimidated,” he declared, underscoring a unified stance among European right-wing factions.
Geert Wilders, who leads the far-right party in the Netherlands, voiced his shock at the harsh sentence handed down to Le Pen, reaffirming his belief that she would successfully appeal the ruling and eventually run for the French presidency. The sentiments of outrage were echoed by other figures, including Spain’s Vox party leader, Santiago Abascal, and former UKIP leader Nigel Farage, who labeled the charges against Le Pen as “trumped-up.”
Critics of the ruling, including former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis, have warned that such judicial actions could backfire, potentially benefitting far-right groups across Europe. The sentiment reflects a growing concern about the use of legal mechanisms to target political adversaries, which could lead to a rise in extremist sentiments similar to those seen in the United States. Varoufakis called the situation a “panicking illiberal establishment” diving into a “totalitarian pit.”
This unfolding situation not only impacts Marine Le Pen's political ambitions but also raises significant questions about the state of democracy in Europe and the ongoing struggle between right-wing populism and traditional political establishments.
