Majority of French citizens back court's decision on Marine Le Pen's conviction

A recent survey conducted by French polling and market research firm Elabe reveals that the majority of French citizens view the court's decision to convict Marine Le Pen as appropriate, with 57% believing it is a normal outcome based on the charges against her. 

The conviction, which involves the misuse of public funds, has sparked mixed reactions across the country, Caliber.Az reports, citing the French media outlet BFMTV.

The survey shows that 42% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, while 29% were dissatisfied, and another 29% remained indifferent. The conviction is a significant blow to Le Pen, the former leader of the National Rally (RN), who has been a prominent figure in French politics.

However, while most citizens agree with the verdict, a notable portion (42%) believes the sentencing may have been influenced by political motives, particularly to hinder her potential bid in the 2027 presidential election.

Despite the political undercurrents surrounding the case, two-thirds of respondents (68%) supported the principle of "provisional execution" in cases of embezzlement of public funds, such as in Le Pen's case. This rule ensures that convicted individuals face immediate consequences while their appeals are processed, ensuring swift accountability for financial misconduct.

The outcome of this case is likely to influence public opinion as France prepares for its future elections, with Le Pen's political career now facing added scrutiny. However, as the legal process unfolds, many are watching closely to see whether this conviction will have a lasting impact on her prospects or if it will become another chapter in the ongoing political polarization in France.

​Marine Le Pen, leader of France's far-right National Rally (RN), has recently faced significant legal challenges that have profound implications for her political future. On March 31, 2025, a Paris court convicted Le Pen and several associates for embezzling European Union funds allocated for parliamentary assistants. The court sentenced Le Pen to a five-year ban from public office, effectively barring her from the 2027 presidential election, along with a four-year prison term, two years of which are suspended, and a €100,000 fine.

By Khagan Isayev