Marine Le Pen's party organizing a large protest in Paris on Sunday

(Patria) - The far-right National Rally (RN) party of French politician Marine Le Pen is organizing a large protest in Paris on Sunday, after a court ruled that she will not be able to run in the upcoming presidential elections.

Le Pen and party leader Jordan Bardella will speak at the event in the city center. The two have dismissed concerns about possible unrest at the rally.

- Why should I be afraid of unrest? There is no reason for it. The signal we are sending is peaceful and democratic - Le Pen told the newspaper Le Parisien.

BFMTV television, on the other hand, quoted Bardella as saying: "The gathering on Sunday is not a coup, it is an expression of democracy".

The court on Monday convicted Le Pen, her party, and other party officials for embezzlement of European Union funds.

She was sentenced to a partially suspended prison sentence, to which she has appealed and therefore has not yet taken effect.

The second part of the verdict, which took immediate effect, prohibits her from running in elections for five years. The next presidential elections are in 2027.

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Le Pen sentenced to prison and banned from running for five years

(Patria) - Leader of the French far-right Marine Le Pen has been sentenced to five years of being banned from holding public office due to embezzlement of public funds, which prevents her candidacy in the 2027 presidential elections. The court issued her a

Le Pen fears that a lengthy legal process, even if her appeal is successful, could prevent her from participating in the elections in two years.

The Paris Court of Appeal, however, announced that it intends to make a decision by mid-2026.

In an interview with Le Parisien, Le Pen announced her intention to take the case to the European Court of Human Rights, if necessary.

- I will use the available legal remedies. I will not accept this - Le Pen stated.

French President Emmanuel Macron also commented on the case.

- I want to remind everyone of three simple things: that the judiciary is independent, that judges and prosecutors must be protected and that they have the right to be respected, and that all citizens have the right to appeal - Macron said.