ISTANBUL
France’s right-wing National Rally (NR) President Jordan Bardella has said Sunday’s rally in support of the party leader Marine Le Pen is “not a show of force,” but rather for democracy.
“The rally on Sunday is not a show of force; it is an expression of democracy," Bardella said on Wednesday, according to BFM TV.
"It is unacceptable for democracy to be disrupted by political considerations," he said, expressing the party's "determination" on this issue.
He also called Le Pen's appeal trial in 2026 "good news," affirming her "innocence" on the merits.
French far-right leader Bardella called for a rally in Paris on Sunday following the conviction and sentencing of Marine Le Pen.
Earlier, former French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal condemned the planned rally, saying it was contrary to the principle of judicial independence.
Le Pen, 56, was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzling EU funds.
She was also handed a four-year prison sentence, including two years with an electronic tag and the remainder suspended, and was fined €100,000 ($108,200).
The conviction sparked international backlash, with judges in the trial receiving threats.
