French Prime Minister François Bayrou has criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s support for far-right leader Marine Le Pen, calling it interference in France’s internal affairs.
In an interview with Le Parisien set to be published tomorrow, Bayrou stated that “interference has become like a law in the world.” He added, “I clearly see that on several continents, some are trying to establish an international indecency, an illiberal one, deciding that human rights, the rule of law, and democratic understanding among nations belong to the past.”
Trump recently posted in all caps on social media, “FREE MARINE LE PEN,” adding that although he does not personally know her, he appreciates her years of hard work.
Bayrou also criticized the rallies planned for tomorrow in support of Le Pen, who was recently convicted of embezzling public funds. “It is neither healthy nor desirable to demonstrate against a court’s decision,” he said.
On March 31, Marine Le Pen and eight lawmakers from her far-right National Rally party were found guilty of embezzling public funds. The conviction bars Le Pen from running in France’s 2027 presidential election.
According to the court, Le Pen was found guilty of misappropriating €474,000 by employing four party assistants through the European Parliament for work that actually benefited the National Rally. The total estimated damages amount to €2.9 million.
The National Rally has called for rallies to support Le Pen despite the ruling.
