Marine Le Pen is the far-right firebrand who would be to France what Donald Trump has become to America. And in keeping with that fateful symmetry, she too is now a convicted felon. Of course, the charges Le Pen faced — misusing about €4.4 million in EU funds — pale in comparison with the four indictments of the political apocalypse Trump faced.
But the US Supreme Court infamously gave Trump a get out of jail free card. By instructive contrast, a French court sentenced Le Pen to two years under house arrest, two more suspended, and a €100,000 fine.
More to the point, she’s barred from running for president for five years. That rules her out for 2027 — and effectively ends her political career.
France did what America should’ve done
Granted, I’d like to think France moved swiftly to bar Le Pen because that’s how any mature republic should deal with a felon brazen enough to run for president. But perhaps France just learned from America’s mistake. Either way — touché, France.
Of course, thanks to that mistake, Trump not only won reelection, but is flaunting his absolute immunity and political nine lives. Because, for these opening months of his second term, he’s been on a norm-shattering, law-breaking spree that would make any autocrat green with envy.
Most notably, Trump is threatening to run for a third term — despite what the Constitution says. But Earth to Democrats: instead of letting him troll you, troll him right back. Hit him with Obama GIFs. Yes, he can run, too. Checkmate.
Legacy Note: With over 5,600 posts spanning 20 years, I am easily the most prolific blogger on the most eclectic array of topics on the web. That makes The iPINIONS Journal an unparalleled archive of informed political and cultural commentary. Visit the ARCHIVES section in the sidebar or search by topic. You won’t find a more consistent, independent voice on world affairs.