Marine Le Pen Denounces Prosecution's Demands as Political Vendetta
Marine Le Pen, the leader of the National Rally (RN) party, has publicly condemned the prosecution's demands in the ongoing trial of FN parliamentary assistants, characterizing them as an attempt to impose a "political death penalty" on her. Appearing on TF1 news, Le Pen expressed her outrage over the severe penalties sought by prosecutors, which include five years in prison, three of which are suspended, a fine of 300,000 euros, and a five-year ban on holding public office. She asserted that these demands are not just aimed at her but are an attack on the democratic rights of the 11 million French citizens who support her.
Allegations of an Organized System
The prosecution claims that Le Pen is at the center of an "organized system" designed to exploit the European Parliament for financial gain. They argue that the RN has treated the institution as a "cash cow," leading to the current legal proceedings. Le Pen vehemently refuted these allegations, insisting that neither she nor her party has violated any laws. She described the prosecution's actions as a clear interference in parliamentary life, aimed at silencing the opposition and undermining democracy in France.
RN's Response and Call to Action
In response to the prosecution's demands, the National Rally has launched a petition on social media, urging supporters to rally behind Le Pen and defend democracy. The petition accuses the judiciary of attempting to eliminate a significant political voice and circumvent the electoral process. Jordan Bardella, a prominent figure in the RN, echoed Le Pen's sentiments, labeling the legal actions as revenge rather than justice. The party's mobilization reflects a broader strategy to galvanize public support amid the ongoing legal challenges.