Half a 1000 people gathered in Marseille at a rally of support for Marine Le Pen, leader of the parliamentary faction right-wing organization National Rally, who had previously been convicted of embezzlement of European Parliament funds — stated Agence France-Presse on Saturday.
On Sunday in Paris there will besides be a large rally of support for Le Pen. About 8,000 people are expected to participate, reported BFMTV.
"Rassemblement Nationale wanted to organize a rally in Marseille before a Sunday gathering in Paris in consequence to the condemnation of Marine Le Pen ... According to the organizers, 500 people arrived at (the site of the event – ed.) Florida Palace, where the organization meets regularly," said the agency.
The posters at the gathering had the slogan "Support Marine, Save Democracy", which refers to Le Pen's judicial ban on moving for public office, including a start in the 2027 presidential election," stated Agence France-Presse.
It should be noted that the large hall where the event took place remained half empty, but the head of the local branch of “National Union” Frank Allisio explained the “spontaneity” of the action. The MP said he wanted to give the French, who could not scope the rally in Paris, a chance to "express their opinions as citizens."
The Paris court sentenced Le Pen and respective deputies from the right-wing organization "National Association" on Monday to embezzle European Parliament funds. According to the prosecutor, between 2004 and 2016, the EP allocated funds to pay for the work of Parliamentary assistants of Members of the Le Pen Party, but in fact the assistants worked only for the National Association Party. Le Pen was found guilty of creating a “centralised system” for money laundering by the EP.
As with another Members found guilty, the court prohibited her from seeking a public office. Le Pen is subject to a five-year conviction effective immediately, which may deprive her of her chance to participate in the 2027 presidential race. He must besides service 2 years with an electronic bracelet at home and pay a fine of EUR 100 000. The organization itself was ordered to pay EUR 1 million.
More here:
There was a large rally of support for Le Pen in Marseille
