Le Pen sidelined: National rally's uncertain path forward
Marine Le Pen faces a serious challenge following a court ruling banning her from running for public office for five years. A crisis meeting is underway at the National Rally headquarters to determine the party's next steps.
What do you need to know?
- Court ruling: Marine Le Pen received a five-year ban on running for public office, which has triggered a crisis in her home party, the National Rally.
- Le Pen's reaction: Le Pen's lawyer announced an appeal against the verdict, describing it as a blow to democracy.
- The party's future: Given the verdict, Jordan Bardella may become the party's candidate for president in 2027.
What are the reactions to the verdict for Le Pen?
A crisis meeting is underway at the National Rally headquarters in Paris to develop a strategy following the court ruling. Marine Le Pen, the party leader, left the courtroom before the full verdict was read, underscoring her dissatisfaction with the decision. Le Pen's lawyer, present at the meeting, announced an appeal, calling the verdict a blow to democracy.
France. Who can replace Le Pen?
Key figures of the party, including Jordan Bardella, who could become the new presidential candidate in 2027, are participating in the meeting. Given the ruling which prevents Le Pen from running, Bardella, who has experience as a candidate for prime minister in 2024, is seen as a potential party leader.
What does this mean for the National Rally?
The court's decision puts the National Rally in a difficult position. Other important party members, such as Catherine Griset and Bruno Bilde, also attend the meeting, which shows how seriously they are taking the current situation. Given the verdict, the party must quickly develop a new strategy for the future to maintain its position on the French political scene.
