Marine Le Pen, leader of the French far-right party Rassemblement National, has vowed to contest her conviction “democratically” and “peacefully”.
Le Pen made this statement via video link to supporters of Matteo Salvini’s far-right Lega party in Florence, drawing a comparison to American civil rights activist Martin Luther King.
“Our struggle will be peaceful and democratic. We will follow the example of Martin Luther King, who defended civil rights, because it is the civil rights of the French people that are at stake on Sunday,” she said.
Her entourage has repeatedly referenced the fight of the American black pastor, who was assassinated on 4 April, 1968, by a segregation supporter.
Le Pen emphasised she will use all possible legal means to participate in the 2027 presidential election.
A court convicted Le Pen, her party, and other party officials on Monday for misappropriation of EU funds.
Le Pen is barred from running in elections for five years, preventing her from contesting the presidency in 2027. She also received a suspended prison sentence. On Sunday, both a support rally and a far-left counter-protest are planned in Paris.
The demonstrations, set to begin at 15:00, will take place a few kilometres apart, but there are concerns over potential violence.
