Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally party in France, has been banned from holding public office for five years due to her conviction for embezzling European Union funds.

This ruling marks a significant event in French politics, with potential implications for the next presidential election in 2027. The court’s decision has elicited a range of reactions within France and throughout Europe.

Supporters of Le Pen have characterized the ruling as an infringement on democratic values, while her adversaries consider it a victory over far-right politics.

Le Pen, who was considered a leading contender in the upcoming presidential campaign, faces considerable obstacles following her conviction, which may prevent her from being included on the ballot.

The ruling triggered rallies across major cities in France, including gatherings in Republic Plaza in Paris, where supporters and opponents converged to voice their opinions.

Internationally, leaders from various far-right factions quickly expressed their solidarity with Le Pen.

Geert Wilders, the Dutch nationalist leader, reacted with disbelief and declared his unwavering support.

Italian Vice Premier Matteo Salvini described the court's verdict as a 'declaration of war by Brussels,' reflecting his alignment with Le Pen’s political stance.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán publicly affirmed his support, stating, 'I am Marine.' These statements indicate a wider apprehension within the far-right political sphere regarding what they view as an encroachment on their collective influence.

In Belgium, Tom Van Grieken, head of Vlaams Belang, condemned the court’s ruling, considering it a violation of democratic principles.

Similarly, Santiago Abascal, leader of Spain’s Vox party, highlighted the importance of honoring the decisions of the French electorate.

Furthermore, comments from Kremlin officials suggested that the ruling exemplifies a decline in democratic standards across Europe.

Internally, supporters of Le Pen have framed her judicial ruling as an affront to French democracy itself.

Jordan Bardella, her successor at the National Rally, expressed that the court's decision represents not just a defeat for Le Pen but a broader attack on the democratic voice of the people.

Former presidential candidate Éric Zemmour echoed this sentiment, asserting that judges should not have the authority to dictate electoral choices.

The public response in Paris displayed a spectrum of opinions.

Celebratory gatherings emerged among those who believed this ruling signaled a decline in Le Pen’s political impact.

Conversely, some citizens and advocates of voter rights conveyed disappointment, viewing the conviction as a detrimental blow to the democratic process.

Reactions from leftist factions were also mixed; the France Unbowed party acknowledged the seriousness of Le Pen's legal issues but cautioned against interpreting judicial outcomes as replacements for electoral competition.

They underscored the need to address far-right candidates via democratic means rather than through legal interventions.