Italian leaders rally against Le Pen's court verdict in France
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed concern over the Paris court's verdict for Marine Le Pen, emphasizing that true democrats should not take pleasure in it.
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni commented on the Paris court's decision, which sentenced France's far-right leader Marine Le Pen to four years in prison, with two years suspended, for embezzling public funds. Additionally, Le Pen received a five-year ban from running for public office. Meloni, quoted by "Il Messaggero," stressed that "anyone who holds democracy dear cannot rejoice at a verdict that strikes at the leader of a major party and deprives millions of citizens of representation."
Italy's Minister for European Affairs, Tommaso Foti, also criticized the court's decision, describing the ban on candidacy as "a way to eliminate political opponents." Foti emphasized that "political opponents should be defeated at the polls."
Nicola Procaccini, the European Conservatives and Reformists co-chair in the European Parliament, described the verdict as a "terrible failure of the rule of law in a key EU country."
Solidarity with Le Pen
Italian Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the right-wing League, Matteo Salvini, expressed solidarity with Marine Le Pen, condemning the court's decision as a "declaration of war by Brussels."
The leader of the far right in France was found guilty of misappropriating millions of euros in European funds. The prosecution sought a five-year prison sentence for Le Pen, a fine of 320,000 US dollars, and a five-year ban from holding public office.
Ultimately, the court sentenced Le Pen to four years in prison, with two years suspended. Part of the sentence may be served under electronic surveillance. Additionally, the court ordered her to pay a fine of 107,000 US dollars. She will also be unable to run for public office for five years, preventing her from seeking the presidency for a fourth time. The French presidential elections are scheduled for 2027.
