European governments have once again struck out at populist leaders on the continent by banning Marine Le Pen from running in the French presidential election in 2027.
—
VicePresidentJDVancecondemnedEuropeancountrieslastmonthforalackofcommitmenttodemocracyasmanyofthemlashoutwithlawfareattacksagainstpopulistleaders.
Vance’scritiqueappliestomorethanjustEurope,however,aspopulistleadersacrosstheglobearefacinglegaltroublesfromoutrightelectionbanstocriminalconvictions.
Herearethetoppopulistleadersfacingthemostpressure.
Right-wingFrenchpoliticianMarineLePenandseveralmembersofherascendantNationalRallypartywereconvictedofembezzlementonMonday,andsheherselfhasbeenbannedfromrunninginthe2027presidentialelection.
PopulistleadersfromacrossEuropecondemnedtheverdict,pointingtohersignificantleadinthepolls.
“Thosewhofearthejudgmentofvotersoftenseekreassurancefromthecourts.InParis,theyhavecondemnedMarineLePenandwouldliketoremoveherfrompoliticallife,”ItalianDeputyPrimeMinisterMatteoSalvinisaidfollowingLePen