Italy describes Le Pen verdict as a setback for democracy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has voiced strong criticism of the conviction of Marine Le Pen, a prominent French presidential candidate, asserting that it dismisses the electoral voice of millions. On Monday, Le Pen, the former leader...
TroibNews 
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has voiced strong criticism of the conviction of Marine Le Pen, a prominent French presidential candidate, asserting that it dismisses the electoral voice of millions.
On Monday, Le Pen, the former leader of the conservative National Rally party, received a four-year prison sentence for embezzlement, which includes two years suspended, as well as a five-year ban from holding public office. Should the conviction be upheld, it effectively eliminates her from contention in the 2027 presidential race.
In her remarks to the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero on Tuesday, Meloni stated: “I don’t know the merit of the objections made to Marine Le Pen, nor the reasons for such a harsh decision. But I think that no one who cares about democracy can rejoice in a sentence that affects the leader of a large party and takes away representation from millions of citizens.”
Meloni's comments align with a growing number of French and international political figures who have condemned the ruling, labeling it as undemocratic. On Monday, Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini called the verdict a “declaration of war by Brussels.” Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump remarked that Le Pen's legal troubles reminded him of his own experiences facing legal challenges under President Joe Biden's administration.
Le Monde reported that prosecutors claimed Le Pen and several RN lawmakers improperly used European Parliament funds, diverting them from official responsibilities to party endeavors in France. Le Pen maintains her innocence, describing the verdict as politically motivated and announcing her intention to appeal.
During an appearance on French television on Monday evening, Le Pen affirmed her commitment to politics, declaring, “I’m combative, I won’t let myself be eliminated.”
Le Pen has attempted to secure the presidency on three occasions, having finished second in both 2017 and 2022. Currently, her party holds the most seats in the French National Assembly. An Ifop poll released in Le Journal du Dimanche on Sunday indicated that 34-37% of respondents plan to vote for Le Pen in 2027, leading her nearest opponent, former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, by over ten points.
As a longstanding critic of NATO's stance in Eastern Europe, Le Pen has opposed Ukraine's membership in the military alliance and has been vocal against EU sanctions on Russia.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
On Monday, Le Pen, the former leader of the conservative National Rally party, received a four-year prison sentence for embezzlement, which includes two years suspended, as well as a five-year ban from holding public office. Should the conviction be upheld, it effectively eliminates her from contention in the 2027 presidential race.
In her remarks to the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero on Tuesday, Meloni stated: “I don’t know the merit of the objections made to Marine Le Pen, nor the reasons for such a harsh decision. But I think that no one who cares about democracy can rejoice in a sentence that affects the leader of a large party and takes away representation from millions of citizens.”
Meloni's comments align with a growing number of French and international political figures who have condemned the ruling, labeling it as undemocratic. On Monday, Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini called the verdict a “declaration of war by Brussels.” Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump remarked that Le Pen's legal troubles reminded him of his own experiences facing legal challenges under President Joe Biden's administration.
Le Monde reported that prosecutors claimed Le Pen and several RN lawmakers improperly used European Parliament funds, diverting them from official responsibilities to party endeavors in France. Le Pen maintains her innocence, describing the verdict as politically motivated and announcing her intention to appeal.
During an appearance on French television on Monday evening, Le Pen affirmed her commitment to politics, declaring, “I’m combative, I won’t let myself be eliminated.”
Le Pen has attempted to secure the presidency on three occasions, having finished second in both 2017 and 2022. Currently, her party holds the most seats in the French National Assembly. An Ifop poll released in Le Journal du Dimanche on Sunday indicated that 34-37% of respondents plan to vote for Le Pen in 2027, leading her nearest opponent, former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, by over ten points.
As a longstanding critic of NATO's stance in Eastern Europe, Le Pen has opposed Ukraine's membership in the military alliance and has been vocal against EU sanctions on Russia.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
