“I Won’t Back Down”: Marine Le Pen Defiant After Conviction And Election Ban

France’s far-right leader Marine Le Pen is refusing to throw in the towel after being found guilty of embezzling millions in European Union funds and banned from running for office. Despite the ruling, she vowed to continue the fight, calling it a politically charged attack meant to silence her ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Le Pen addressed a crowd of supporters gathered Sunday in Place Vauban, near the historic Les Invalides in Paris. Waving French tricolor flags and chanting slogans like “Defend freedom! Save democracy! Support Marine!”, a few thousand people showed up in response to a rallying cry from her National Rally (RN) party.

“This is not a judicial decision—it’s a political one,” Le Pen declared from the stage, drawing applause from her base. She claims the justice system is being weaponized against her as she gears up for what was expected to be her fourth bid for the presidency.

At the same time, counter-protests organized by left-wing parties Les Écologistes and France Unbowed took place across the city. Thousands turned out to oppose Le Pen, with banners reading “Let’s not let the far right get away with it!”

Le Pen was convicted last Monday by a Paris court for misusing over €4.5 million ($4.38 million) in EU funds between 2004 and 2016. The money was allegedly funneled to pay party staff under the false pretense they were working as assistants to RN members of the European Parliament.

The verdict: a four-year prison sentence (two years suspended), house arrest, and a €100,000 ($108,000) fine. The presiding judge, Bénédicte de Perthuis, called Le Pen’s actions a “serious and lasting attack on the rules of democratic life in Europe, especially in France.”

Le Pen slammed the ruling in a televised interview, accusing the court of violating the rule of law and insisting the decision was part of a political strategy to crush her campaign.

Her presidential hopes now hang in the balance. With Emmanuel Macron barred from running for a third term in 2027, Le Pen was widely seen as a frontrunner. The conviction and ban have shaken the race—and drawn international attention.

Supporters across the political spectrum reacted swiftly. U.S. President Donald Trump voiced his outrage, calling the ruling a “Witch Hunt” and posting “FREE MARINE LE PEN” on Truth Social. Even some of Le Pen’s French rivals expressed unease. Prime Minister François Bayrou admitted he was “troubled,” while Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin had previously warned that banning her from running would be “profoundly shocking.”

Le Pen has announced plans to appeal. The Paris Court of Appeal could deliver a final decision by June 2026. If she wins, she could still enter the 2027 presidential race.

Until then, one thing is clear: Marine Le Pen isn’t backing down.