France: Marine Le Pen in court: right-wing nationalists in trouble

France's right-wing nationalists surrounding Marine Le Pen have long been on the rise and are now more powerfully represented in parliament than ever before. However, a court case that ends in Paris on Wednesday could significantly slow down the ambitions of right-wing parties. Le Pen must take responsibility for the possible fictitious aide in the EU Parliament. The National Alliance was prepared for a guilty verdict and years-long court proceedings, but there were pitfalls in the prosecution's demands for punishment.

Demanding punishment could slow down Le Pen – a “political death sentence”

In addition to a five-year prison sentence (partly suspended) and a €300,000 fine, the prosecutor's office also asked that the 56-year-old lose his right to vote for five years. Such a punishment could temporarily prevent Le Pen from being elected to public office, especially since she has little hope of running again in the 2027 presidential election. Because prosecutors are asking for the penalty to be applied provisionally – that is, after sentencing, rather than after what could be a lengthy court hearing.

The strategy of right-wing parties to prolong the legal dispute as long as possible while coordinating the court and electoral calendars did not work in this case. Immediately after pleading guilty, Le Pen accused prosecutors of “depriving French people of the opportunity to vote for who they want.” The punishment required was extremely excessive. She also accused the judiciary of political behavior when she said prosecutors were asking for “a political death sentence and a temporary execution.”

Le Pen explicitly normalizes right-wing extremist party

Even though the verdict is not expected until next spring instead of Wednesday, the final day of the trial, Le Pen has seen a change in tactics. Since taking over the leadership of the party from her father and co-founder Jean-Marie Le Pen, Marine Le Pen has tried to maintain a moderate tone for a party that was previously overtly right-wing extremist and to turn the once The splinter group became an independent political party. It now appears that serious political power also applies to broad segments of the population.

And in the National Assembly in Paris, where the National Rally (formerly the National Front) is now the strongest opposition, Le Pen and right-wing MPs are trying to maintain a moderate demeanor and give the impression of responsibility to the country's main party. question.

Vote of no confidence as a means of putting pressure on the judiciary

But Le Pen, who had previously expressed cooperation, is now threatening a vote of no confidence in new Prime Minister Michel Barnier during difficult budget discussions. If left and right come together, this could lead to the collapse of the government this year. Le Pen therefore gave the impression that she wanted to put pressure on a judiciary she believed to be politically controlled to obtain a verdict in her favour.

Ultimately, behind Le Pen's change of course and threat of a no-confidence vote is a desire to bring down Macron, whom she lost as a challenger in the final rounds of the past two presidential elections. Now, Le Pen – like old leftist prankster Jean-Luc Mélenchon – senses an opportunity to emerge victorious from the early presidential election. President Macron cannot run for office again until at least two terms in office. (Sudanese Development Authority/Department of Political Affairs)

A garden gnome surprised Dutch police: it was more than just a garden figure.

Police made an extraordinary discovery in the Dutch town of Ostermön in the province of Noord Brabant. During their search, they discovered the figure of a garden gnome. At first glance, it looks like it's made of stone and is still waiting to be painted. The dwarf covered his mouth with his hands, as if he wanted to hide something.