Description: Leader of France’s National Rally (NR) party, Marine Le Pen has stated that she intended to fight the conviction issued by French courts regarding the embezzlement allegations. Le Pen was convicted last week to 4 years in prison, with two suspended and two to be served under house arrest and additional $108,000 fine for misusing EU funds to pay employees within her own party between 2004 and 2016. Her conviction was heavily opposed by fellow right-wing party leaders such as US President Donald Trump, while the French public labeled the conviction death to democracy. Underwhelming protests unraveled in Paris after a couple of thousand supporters were filmed demanding Le Pen’s release. Le Pen ultimately stated she planned on appealing the decision before the Paris Court of Appeal and emphasized the politically motivated background of the conviction.
Impact: Le Pen’s ousting from France’s upcoming elections and her conviction were received with heavy criticism towards the French justice system citing political persecution motives. The underwhelming protests suggest that a possible political crisis in France is highly unlikely to happen, although larger civil disturbances are expected. Besides support from fellow right-wing leaders, Le Pen’s conviction hasn’t gained much traction nor caused any considerable political disruptions. Her pledges to contest the conviction can fuel further civil unrest which in geopolitically critical times could subdue France’s position as Europe’s leader towards defensive and economic independence.