Latest news with #SapinII
The Hindu
22-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
EU's far-right vs judiciary conflict
The story so far: Across the European Union, a significant and escalating conflict is unfolding between ascendant right-wing nationalist parties and the judicial systems of member states. Recent court rulings targeting prominent far-right figures have led to accusations of political persecution and calls for protest, forming part of a broader, deeply contentious struggle over judicial independence, the rule of law, and the very nature of democratic governance. Which rulings have intensified the conflict? The immediate triggers for the heightened conflict are several high-profile court decisions. In France, the political landscape was shaken when the Paris Criminal Court delivered a verdict on March 31 against Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally (RN) party, sentencing her for the embezzlement of EU funds. The sentence included a four-year prison term (two years suspended) and, crucially, a five-year ban from holding public office. This ruling, handed down just over two years before the anticipated 2027 French presidential elections in which Ms. Le Pen was a leading contender, effectively sidelines her unless overturned on appeal. Similar confrontations are evident elsewhere. In Romania, the Constitutional Court upheld a decision barring Călin Georgescu, a far-right figure who unexpectedly topped the first round of the 2024 presidential election before it was annulled, from running in the rescheduled May 2025 contest. The court's actions were rooted in the principle of 'militant democracy', citing Mr. Georgescu's alleged antidemocratic behaviour, fraudulent campaign financing declarations, and suspected links to Russian-backed subversion efforts, which led to the annulment of the initial election results. Meanwhile, in Germany, the domestic intelligence agency (BfV) has classified the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as a suspected threat to democracy and the constitution, placing it under closer scrutiny. Although formal attempts to ban parties in Germany face high legal hurdles and have rarely succeeded since the 1950s, the BfV's designation highlights deep concerns within the German establishment about the AfD's compatibility with the country's 'free democratic basic order'. What are the reactions? The reactions from the targeted parties and their supporters have been swift and defiant. Ms. Le Pen and her supporters immediately decried the verdict, framing it as politically motivated. She labelled the proceedings a 'political witch hunt' aimed at crippling her party and argued the Sapin II law, on the basis of which she was banned from running for office, was being improperly applied retrospectively. Vowing not to 'give up', Ms. Le Pen has appealed the decision, with a hearing scheduled for 2026. Meanwhile, fellow nationalist leaders across the continent commented on the rulings. Following the Le Pen verdict, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán posted 'Je Suis Marine' on the social media platform X, while Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, leader of the Lega party, also voiced support for Ms. Le Pen and criticised 'Brussels' and 'leftwing radicals'. The AfD in Germany has pursued legal challenges against the BfV's surveillance and classification decisions, while also taking internal steps, such as dissolving its official youth wing ('Young Alternative')—which the BfV had classified as extremist—in a move Politico described as potentially aiming to avert a ban and destigmatise the party. The narrative consistently pushed by the European conservative-nationalists is that these legal actions are not genuine applications of law but rather politically motivated manoeuvres by an entrenched 'establishment' or 'elite' seeking to eliminate potent electoral rivals who have been gaining significant ground across Europe. How does this impact wider European politics? This resonates with a segment of the populace disillusioned with traditional politics. They argue that the judiciary — far from being impartial — has become a tool to suppress conservative-nationalist movements, questioning the selective application of laws like Sapin II and alleging that similar transgressions by mainstream figures are often overlooked. This conflict feeds into a wider, ongoing debate within the EU concerning the meaning and application of the rule of law. Liberal and centrist forces, alongside EU institutions like the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), strongly maintain that adherence to the rule of law, including judicial independence and constitutional checks and balances, is fundamental to the Union's values and legal order. They view attacks on the judiciary, particularly measures aimed at curtailing its independence as seen in Poland, during the former ultra-conservative PiS-led government, and currently in Hungary under Mr. Orbán, as direct threats to democracy itself. Conversely, many conservative-nationalist voices argue that the 'rule of law' concept is being weaponised by Brussels and national elites to impose a specific political agenda, overriding national sovereignty and democratic mandates. Are foreign actors involved? Adding another layer of complexity are persistent concerns about foreign interference, particularly from Russia. Analysis from institutions like the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and reports from organisations like The Soufan Center suggest systematic Russian efforts to undermine democratic processes in the West through disinformation, financial support for extremist parties, and cyber operations. The Romanian election annulment explicitly referenced suspicions of external manipulation favouring Mr. Georgescu, and historical financial links between parties like Ms. Le Pen's RN and Russian entities fuel anxieties about Moscow's influence. While direct interference can be hard to isolate from domestic political dynamics, experts warn that Russia actively cultivates networks and exploits existing vulnerabilities within EU member states to promote anti-EU, anti-NATO sentiment and destabilise liberal democracies from within. Prominent figures outside Europe have also weighed in. Following the Le Pen ruling, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance had stated that the conviction was imposed for a 'very minor offense' and the resulting ban was 'not democracy'. Tech billionaire Elon Musk called the ruling 'abuse' that would 'backfire', comparing it to legal actions against U.S. President Donald Trump and accusing 'the radical left' of abusing the legal system globally to jail opponents. Where does it leave the rule of law? The escalating clash leaves the principle of the rule of law in a precarious position. When significant portions of the electorate perceive the judiciary not as an independent arbiter but as a political actor actively working against their chosen representatives, trust in fundamental democratic institutions erodes. The rhetoric popularised by figures like Mr. Trump, calling to 'drain the swamp', finds fertile ground among Europeans, particularly younger generations who may lack lived memory of authoritarian regimes of communist Eastern Europe and right-wing military dictatorships in Iberia and Greece, where courts genuinely served as instruments of political oppression. This erosion of trust poses a long-term challenge. As Marek Safjan, a former judge of the Polish Constitutional Tribunal and the CJEU, noted, while the European judiciary, particularly the CJEU, commands significant respect and has been key to integration, it is not immune to political pressures and the rise of populism. If courts are increasingly seen as mere players in the political fray rather than guardians of constitutional principles, the essential checks and balances underpinning European democracies risk being fatally weakened, opening the door to further democratic backsliding and instability.
Khaleej Times
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
Le Pen slams prosecutors for asking judges to bar her from office if convicted
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who in two weeks will learn her fate in an embezzlement trial, says prosecutors demanding she face an instant five-year public office ban have waged an unheard of assault on her presidential hopes. The 56-year-old National Rally (RN) leader, who leads polls for the 2027 presidential vote, accuses prosecutors of seeking her "political death" by asking judges to bar her from office if convicted — effective immediately even if she appeals. That, she says, is "completely disproportionate" compared to other cases. However, ever since the passage of the Sapin II anti-graft law in 2016, a growing number of politicians convicted of corruption have received such bans, which may worry Le Pen as the March 31 verdict approaches. "These precedents show that judges are in no way inhibited," said Philippe Petit, a lawyer who has represented several disbarred politicians. "The same thing can happen to her." Le Pen, the RN and some two dozen party figures are accused of diverting over 3 million euros ($3.27 million) of European funds to pay staff in France. They say the money was used legitimately. RN spokesperson Laurent Jacobelli did not respond to a request for comment for this article. Prosecutors Louise Neyton and Nicolas Barret's request for an immediate five-year bar on Le Pen, via the so-called "provisional execution" measure, electrified French politics. Typically in France, sentences for non-serious crimes, or those committed by first-time offenders, are not applied until the appeals process has run its course. However, if judges apply a "provisional execution," the sentence begins immediately. Judges can adopt, modify or reject the prosecutors' request. At the request of a disbarred Mayotte councilman, France's constitutional court is analysing the legality of "provisional execution" in cases of ineligibility. A first hearing is on Tuesday with a final ruling due before April 3. A favourable decision would mean Le Pen stands little chance of being barred. However, if convicted and given a five-year "provisional execution" ban, her only hopes of running will rest on her conviction and sentence being overturned before 2027. Neyton and Barret said they sought a "provisional execution" against Le Pen and her co-accused for repeated efforts to play for time in a probe stretching back nearly a decade. An immediate ban would prevent repeat offences, they argued. Their push has led to accusations of judicial overreach by Le Pen allies and criticism from some mainstream politicians, including Prime Minister Francois Bayrou and Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin. It has also led to the prosecutors and a judge receiving death threats, Reuters reported, part of growing global frictions over judicial efforts to police politics. Romania's top court recently barred far-right politician Calin Georgescu from running for president, prompting criticism from US President Donald Trump's team. Sapin II aimed to align France's anti-corruption rules with those of its peers and correct a widespread perception of impunity for France's graft-stained political class. The law made ineligibility an automatic punishment for all politicians convicted of corruption. Ineligibility is not restricted to corruption and is also applied for other crimes, including sexual offences, fraud and terrorism. In 2023, more than 16,000 people were ruled ineligible, up nearly 1,000% since 2019, according to Justice Ministry data. Reuters could not ascertain how many politicians had been barred from office, as the data does not distinguish between elected officials and other professions. Three disbarred politicians and lawyers told Reuters that prosecutors are increasingly demanding "provisional execution" ineligibility sentences, with judges often complying. Brigitte Bareges, a right-wing former mayor of the southern town of Montauban, was convicted of embezzlement in 2021, and given a fine, suspended prison sentence and five-year political ban with "provisional execution." "It was violent, brutal," she said. "I was so ashamed because all my life I've fought against corruption." Bareges, who was acquitted on appeal, described her "provisional execution" sentence as a hit-job by a politicized judiciary. She said Le Pen has good reason to fear "leftist judges" who "may overstep objectivity ... to eliminate a presidential candidate who could well be elected." The Justice Ministry did not respond to a request for comment. Eric Landot, a lawyer who has written about the Le Pen trial, said if she is convicted, judges will struggle to strike a balance between showing the law is the same for everyone, while also avoiding accusations of political meddling. Robin Binsard, a lawyer who represents disbarred politician Patrick Balkany, said "whatever decision the judges make, they will be strongly criticized." But he said French lawmakers had struck an own goal by passing Sapin II: "They gave judges the tools to significantly encroach on executive power." A senior RN source said Le Pen's powerful wingman, 29-year-old Jordan Bardella, would run in 2027 if she cannot, but added they believed she would not be barred. For years, the RN has been seeking to cleanse its image by shedding anti-Semitic and racist elements, while also underlining its institutional bona fides. If Le Pen is barred, it could usher in a Trumpian era of confrontation between the RN – the largest party in parliament - and France's institutions. "The risk with this kind of thing is that by constantly attacking the people, one day the people will rise up," said Paul Baudry, the former mayor of Bassussarry in southwest France, who was convicted of graft in 2020, and given a 10-year "provisional execution" ban.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Proposed political ban for France's Le Pen increasingly prevalent, despite her outrage
By Gabriel Stargardter PARIS (Reuters) - French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who in two weeks will learn her fate in an embezzlement trial, says prosecutors demanding she face an instant five-year public office ban have waged an unheard of assault on her presidential hopes. The 56-year-old National Rally (RN) leader, who leads polls for the 2027 presidential vote, accuses prosecutors of seeking her "political death" by asking judges to bar her from office if convicted - effective immediately even if she appeals. That, she says, is "completely disproportionate" compared to other cases. However, ever since the passage of the Sapin II anti-graft law in 2016, a growing number of politicians convicted of corruption have received such bans, which may worry Le Pen as the March 31 verdict approaches. "These precedents show that judges are in no way inhibited," said Philippe Petit, a lawyer who has represented several disbarred politicians. "The same thing can happen to her." Le Pen, the RN and some two dozen party figures are accused of diverting over 3 million euros ($3.27 million) of European funds to pay staff in France. They say the money was used legitimately. RN spokesperson Laurent Jacobelli did not respond to a request for comment for this article. Prosecutors Louise Neyton and Nicolas Barret's request for an immediate five-year bar on Le Pen, via the so-called "provisional execution" measure, electrified French politics. Typically in France, sentences for non-serious crimes, or those committed by first-time offenders, are not applied until the appeals process has run its course. However, if judges apply a "provisional execution," the sentence begins immediately. Judges can adopt, modify or reject the prosecutors' request. At the request of a disbarred Mayotte councilman, France's constitutional court is analysing the legality of "provisional execution" in cases of ineligibility. A first hearing is on Tuesday with a final ruling due before April 3. A favourable decision would mean Le Pen stands little chance of being barred. However, if convicted and given a five-year "provisional execution" ban, her only hopes of running will rest on her conviction and sentence being overturned before 2027. Neyton and Barret said they sought a "provisional execution" against Le Pen and her co-accused for repeated efforts to play for time in a probe stretching back nearly a decade. An immediate ban would prevent repeat offences, they argued. JUDICIAL OVERREACH? Their push has led to accusations of judicial overreach by Le Pen allies and criticism from some mainstream politicians, including Prime Minister Francois Bayrou and Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin. It has also led to the prosecutors and a judge receiving death threats, Reuters reported, part of growing global frictions over judicial efforts to police politics. Romania's top court recently barred far-right politician Calin Georgescu from running for president, prompting criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump's team. Sapin II aimed to align France's anti-corruption rules with those of its peers and correct a widespread perception of impunity for France's graft-stained political class. The law made ineligibility an automatic punishment for all politicians convicted of corruption. Ineligibility is not restricted to corruption and is also applied for other crimes including sexual offences, fraud and terrorism. In 2023, more than 16,000 people were ruled ineligible, up nearly 1,000% since 2019, according to Justice Ministry data. Reuters could not ascertain how many politicians had been barred from office, as the data does not distinguish between elected officials and other professions. Three disbarred politicians and lawyers told Reuters that prosecutors are increasingly demanding "provisional execution" ineligibility sentences, with judges often complying. Brigitte Bareges, a right-wing former mayor of the southern town of Montauban, was convicted of embezzlement in 2021, and given a fine, suspended prison sentence and five-year political ban with "provisional execution." "It was violent, brutal," she said. "I was so ashamed because all my life I've fought against corruption." Bareges, who was acquitted on appeal, described her "provisional execution" sentence as a hit-job by a politicized judiciary. She said Le Pen has good reason to fear "leftist judges" who "may overstep objectivity ... to eliminate a presidential candidate who could well be elected." The Justice Ministry did not respond to a request for comment. CONFRONTATION LOOMS Eric Landot, a lawyer who has written about the Le Pen trial, said if she is convicted, judges will struggle to strike a balance between showing the law is the same for everyone, while also avoiding accusations of political meddling. Robin Binsard, a lawyer who represents disbarred politician Patrick Balkany, said "whatever decision the judges make, they will be strongly criticized." But he said French lawmakers had struck an own goal by passing Sapin II: "They gave judges the tools to significantly encroach on executive power." A senior RN source said Le Pen's powerful wingman, 29-year-old Jordan Bardella, would run in 2027 if she cannot, but added they believed she would not be barred. For years, the RN has been seeking to cleanse its image by shedding anti-Semitic and racist elements, while also underlining its institutional bona fides. If Le Pen is barred, it could usher in a Trumpian era of confrontation between the RN – the largest party in parliament - and France's institutions. "The risk with this kind of thing is that by constantly attacking the people, one day the people will rise up," said Paul Baudry, the former mayor of Bassussarry in southwest France, who was convicted of graft in 2020, and given a 10-year "provisional execution" ban. ($1 = 0.9175 euros)
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Proposed political ban for France's Le Pen increasingly prevalent, despite her outrage
By Gabriel Stargardter PARIS (Reuters) - French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who in two weeks will learn her fate in an embezzlement trial, says prosecutors demanding she face an instant five-year public office ban have waged an unheard of assault on her presidential hopes. The 56-year-old National Rally (RN) leader, who leads polls for the 2027 presidential vote, accuses prosecutors of seeking her "political death" by asking judges to bar her from office if convicted - effective immediately even if she appeals. That, she says, is "completely disproportionate" compared to other cases. However, ever since the passage of the Sapin II anti-graft law in 2016, a growing number of politicians convicted of corruption have received such bans, which may worry Le Pen as the March 31 verdict approaches. "These precedents show that judges are in no way inhibited," said Philippe Petit, a lawyer who has represented several disbarred politicians. "The same thing can happen to her." Le Pen, the RN and some two dozen party figures are accused of diverting over 3 million euros ($3.27 million) of European funds to pay staff in France. They say the money was used legitimately. RN spokesperson Laurent Jacobelli did not respond to a request for comment for this article. Prosecutors Louise Neyton and Nicolas Barret's request for an immediate five-year bar on Le Pen, via the so-called "provisional execution" measure, electrified French politics. Typically in France, sentences for non-serious crimes, or those committed by first-time offenders, are not applied until the appeals process has run its course. However, if judges apply a "provisional execution," the sentence begins immediately. Judges can adopt, modify or reject the prosecutors' request. At the request of a disbarred Mayotte councilman, France's constitutional court is analysing the legality of "provisional execution" in cases of ineligibility. A first hearing is on Tuesday with a final ruling due before April 3. A favourable decision would mean Le Pen stands little chance of being barred. However, if convicted and given a five-year "provisional execution" ban, her only hopes of running will rest on her conviction and sentence being overturned before 2027. Neyton and Barret said they sought a "provisional execution" against Le Pen and her co-accused for repeated efforts to play for time in a probe stretching back nearly a decade. An immediate ban would prevent repeat offences, they argued. JUDICIAL OVERREACH? Their push has led to accusations of judicial overreach by Le Pen allies and criticism from some mainstream politicians, including Prime Minister Francois Bayrou and Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin. It has also led to the prosecutors and a judge receiving death threats, Reuters reported, part of growing global frictions over judicial efforts to police politics. Romania's top court recently barred far-right politician Calin Georgescu from running for president, prompting criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump's team. Sapin II aimed to align France's anti-corruption rules with those of its peers and correct a widespread perception of impunity for France's graft-stained political class. The law made ineligibility an automatic punishment for all politicians convicted of corruption. Ineligibility is not restricted to corruption and is also applied for other crimes including sexual offences, fraud and terrorism. In 2023, more than 16,000 people were ruled ineligible, up nearly 1,000% since 2019, according to Justice Ministry data. Reuters could not ascertain how many politicians had been barred from office, as the data does not distinguish between elected officials and other professions. Three disbarred politicians and lawyers told Reuters that prosecutors are increasingly demanding "provisional execution" ineligibility sentences, with judges often complying. Brigitte Bareges, a right-wing former mayor of the southern town of Montauban, was convicted of embezzlement in 2021, and given a fine, suspended prison sentence and five-year political ban with "provisional execution." "It was violent, brutal," she said. "I was so ashamed because all my life I've fought against corruption." Bareges, who was acquitted on appeal, described her "provisional execution" sentence as a hit-job by a politicized judiciary. She said Le Pen has good reason to fear "leftist judges" who "may overstep objectivity ... to eliminate a presidential candidate who could well be elected." The Justice Ministry did not respond to a request for comment. CONFRONTATION LOOMS Eric Landot, a lawyer who has written about the Le Pen trial, said if she is convicted, judges will struggle to strike a balance between showing the law is the same for everyone, while also avoiding accusations of political meddling. Robin Binsard, a lawyer who represents disbarred politician Patrick Balkany, said "whatever decision the judges make, they will be strongly criticized." But he said French lawmakers had struck an own goal by passing Sapin II: "They gave judges the tools to significantly encroach on executive power." A senior RN source said Le Pen's powerful wingman, 29-year-old Jordan Bardella, would run in 2027 if she cannot, but added they believed she would not be barred. For years, the RN has been seeking to cleanse its image by shedding anti-Semitic and racist elements, while also underlining its institutional bona fides. If Le Pen is barred, it could usher in a Trumpian era of confrontation between the RN – the largest party in parliament - and France's institutions. "The risk with this kind of thing is that by constantly attacking the people, one day the people will rise up," said Paul Baudry, the former mayor of Bassussarry in southwest France, who was convicted of graft in 2020, and given a 10-year "provisional execution" ban. ($1 = 0.9175 euros)
Reuters
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Proposed political ban for France's Le Pen increasingly prevalent, despite her outrage
PARIS, March 18 (Reuters) - French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who in two weeks will learn her fate in an embezzlement trial, says prosecutors demanding she face an instant five-year public office ban have waged an unheard of assault on her presidential hopes. The 56-year-old National Rally (RN) leader, who leads polls for the 2027 presidential vote, accuses prosecutors of seeking her "political death" by asking judges to bar her from office if convicted - effective immediately even if she appeals. That, she says, is "completely disproportionate" compared to other cases. However, ever since the passage of the Sapin II anti-graft law in 2016, a growing number of politicians convicted of corruption have received such bans, which may worry Le Pen as the March 31 verdict approaches. "These precedents show that judges are in no way inhibited," said Philippe Petit, a lawyer who has represented several disbarred politicians. "The same thing can happen to her." Le Pen, the RN and some two dozen party figures are accused of diverting over 3 million euros ($3.27 million) of European funds to pay staff in France. They say the money was used legitimately. RN spokesperson Laurent Jacobelli did not respond to a request for comment for this article. Prosecutors Louise Neyton and Nicolas Barret's request for an immediate five-year bar on Le Pen, via the so-called "provisional execution" measure, electrified French politics. Typically in France, sentences for non-serious crimes, or those committed by first-time offenders, are not applied until the appeals process has run its course. However, if judges apply a "provisional execution," the sentence begins immediately. Judges can adopt, modify or reject the prosecutors' request. At the request of a disbarred Mayotte councilman, France's constitutional court is analysing the legality of "provisional execution" in cases of ineligibility. A first hearing is on Tuesday with a final ruling due before April 3. A favourable decision would mean Le Pen stands little chance of being barred. However, if convicted and given a five-year "provisional execution" ban, her only hopes of running will rest on her conviction and sentence being overturned before 2027. Neyton and Barret said they sought a "provisional execution" against Le Pen and her co-accused for repeated efforts to play for time in a probe stretching back nearly a decade. An immediate ban would prevent repeat offences, they argued. JUDICIAL OVERREACH? Their push has led to accusations of judicial overreach by Le Pen allies and criticism from some mainstream politicians, including Prime Minister Francois Bayrou and Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin. It has also led to the prosecutors and a judge receiving death threats, Reuters reported, part of growing global frictions over judicial efforts to police politics. Romania's top court recently barred far-right politician Calin Georgescu from running for president, prompting criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump's team. Sapin II aimed to align France's anti-corruption rules with those of its peers and correct a widespread perception of impunity for France's graft-stained political class. The law made ineligibility an automatic punishment for all politicians convicted of corruption. Ineligibility is not restricted to corruption and is also applied for other crimes including sexual offences, fraud and terrorism. In 2023, more than 16,000 people were ruled ineligible, up nearly 1,000% since 2019, according to Justice Ministry data. Reuters could not ascertain how many politicians had been barred from office, as the data does not distinguish between elected officials and other professions. Three disbarred politicians and lawyers told Reuters that prosecutors are increasingly demanding "provisional execution" ineligibility sentences, with judges often complying. Brigitte Bareges, a right-wing former mayor of the southern town of Montauban, was convicted of embezzlement in 2021, and given a fine, suspended prison sentence and five-year political ban with "provisional execution." "It was violent, brutal," she said. "I was so ashamed because all my life I've fought against corruption." Bareges, who was acquitted on appeal, described her "provisional execution" sentence as a hit-job by a politicized judiciary. She said Le Pen has good reason to fear "leftist judges" who "may overstep objectivity ... to eliminate a presidential candidate who could well be elected." The Justice Ministry did not respond to a request for comment. CONFRONTATION LOOMS Eric Landot, a lawyer who has written about the Le Pen trial, said if she is convicted, judges will struggle to strike a balance between showing the law is the same for everyone, while also avoiding accusations of political meddling. Robin Binsard, a lawyer who represents disbarred politician Patrick Balkany, said "whatever decision the judges make, they will be strongly criticized." But he said French lawmakers had struck an own goal by passing Sapin II: "They gave judges the tools to significantly encroach on executive power." A senior RN source said Le Pen's powerful wingman, 29-year-old Jordan Bardella, would run in 2027 if she cannot, but added they believed she would not be barred. For years, the RN has been seeking to cleanse its image by shedding anti-Semitic and racist elements, while also underlining its institutional bona fides. If Le Pen is barred, it could usher in a Trumpian era of confrontation between the RN – the largest party in parliament - and France's institutions. "The risk with this kind of thing is that by constantly attacking the people, one day the people will rise up," said Paul Baudry, the former mayor of Bassussarry in southwest France, who was convicted of graft in 2020, and given a 10-year "provisional execution" ban. ($1 = 0.9175 euros)
