Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the verdict of French leader Marine Le Pen as a “sad day for democracy“, ANSA reported, quoted by BTA.
The leader of the French party “National Rally“ was sentenced to four years in prison for illegally using funds from the European Parliament. She was also banned from holding high-ranking public office for the next five years.
“I do not know the details of the charges against Marine Le Pen, nor the reasons for this court decision, but I believe that no one who cares about democracy can celebrate a verdict that affects the leader of a major party and deprives millions of citizens of representation“, said Meloni.“Italian Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the “Lega“ party Matteo Salvini also sharply criticized the French court's decision, stating that “Brussels has declared war on Le Pen“.“.
“Those who fear the will of the voters often seek a solution through the courts“, commented Salvini.“
He added that what is happening with Le Pen is reminiscent of other cases in Europe, including in Romania. He said the decision against the French political leader was a "declaration of war by Brussels", while criticizing the "warlike impulses" of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron.