Has the Establishment just made Le Pen stronger? John Keiger & Robert Tombs

The trial of the decade is concluding in France today, with major ramifications for the next presidential election in 2027. This morning Marine Le Pen and eight MEPs were found guilty of misappropriation of public funds. The case revolved around the alleged embezzlement of EU funds to pay RN staff for party work. She's been barred from running for office for five years. WHat are the implications for her party, and country? Deputy and US editor Freddy Gray discusses with historian Robert Tombs and Spectator contributor John Keiger.

// CHAPTERS
00:00 – Introduction
00:18 – What the conviction means legally and politically
02:08 – Appeal process and immediate consequences
03:03 – Is this justice or political targeting?
04:37 – Comparisons to Trump and establishment backlash
06:14 – Potential successors
08:05 – Macron’s role and questions around judicial neutrality
10:14 – Growing constitutional tension in France
13:31 – Cultural shifts: Catholic identity and populism
16:44 – EU involvement and rising euroscepticism
18:30 – Final thoughts on the future of French politics

#france #lepen

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