French President Emmanuel Macron has publicly defended the independence of the judiciary following threats against Judge Bénédicte de Perthuis, who sentenced far-right leader Marine Le Pen to a five-year election ban for embezzlement of European Parliament funds.
Le Pen, head of the National Rally party, was convicted for orchestrating fake job contracts to funnel EU funds to party staff in France. In response, she denounced the verdict as a “nuclear bomb” from “the system” and claimed it excluded her from the 2027 presidential race—describing it as a threat to democracy. Her party is appealing the decision and organizing protests.
As threats against the panel of judges emerged, including online harassment and physical security concerns, Judge de Perthuis was placed under police protection. Macron emphasized that “judges must be protected” and reminded ministers that all citizens have the right to appeal.
The case has sparked political controversy. While some centrist leaders appeared sympathetic to Le Pen’s complaints, others—including figures from the left and right—warned that undermining the judiciary plays into dangerous narratives of victimization. Judicial officials also criticized the fast-tracking of Le Pen’s appeal, which could allow her to run in 2027, as unfairly delaying other cases.
Despite political pressure, Macron reiterated that the courts must remain independent, and that public officials have a duty to support—not question—the integrity of judicial outcomes.