Key Takeaways:

• Jordan Bardella calls for a rally in Paris to support Marine Le Pen, who has been banned from running for office for five years.
• The ruling against Le Pen stems from her involvement in embezzling EU funds, presenting a significant blow to her presidential ambitions.
• Bardella, at 29, is thrust into the leadership spotlight but faces skepticism about his readiness to lead the National Rally party.
• Public opinion on the ruling is mixed, with many supporting judicial independence while others see it as politically motivated.
• Le Pen plans to appeal the ruling, while Bardella attempts to consolidate support amidst increasing scrutiny over his leadership.

PARIS — In a dramatic turn of events, Jordan Bardella, president of France's National Rally party, has called for a rally in the heart of Paris, urging citizens to express their outrage over a recent court ruling that bans Marine Le Pen from public office for five years. This ruling, which comes after Le Pen was found guilty of embezzling European Union funds, represents a significant setback for her long-time goal of capturing the French presidency in 2027, as noted by Reuters and echoed by BBC.

The court ruled that Le Pen was at the center of a scheme that misappropriated more than €2.9 million in EU funds between 2004 and 2016. While the ruling allows for an appeal, the immediate ban complicates any plans Le Pen had for her political future. "I believe today that the French must be outraged, and I tell them: Be outraged!" Bardella proclaimed, calling for peaceful mobilizations in response to what he described as a politicized ruling against their party.

Despite Bardella’s enthusiastic call to action, critical voices within and beyond the far-right political landscape question his leadership efficacy. At only 29 years old, he has quickly ascended the ranks of the party yet lacks substantial experience in governmental roles. Critics suggest that he predominantly serves as a vehicle for Le Pen’s political legacy rather than an independent leader capable of guiding the party through this turbulent time. As noted by the Los Angeles Times, there are rising concerns about whether Bardella is prepared for the position of leader in the tumultuous arena of French politics.

Following the ruling, public reactions to the court's decision have varied significantly. While many far-right supporters rallied behind Le Pen and Bardella, a majority of the French populace appeared to support the ruling. An Elabe poll indicated that over half (57%) considered the outcome justified based on Le Pen’s accusations, highlighting a significant divide in public sentiment regarding the implications for democracy. Some politicians, including former President François Hollande, stressed the importance of maintaining judicial independence, countering the narrative spun by supporters of Le Pen and Bardella.

As Bardella prepares for the rally set for this weekend near the Eiffel Tower, his leadership faces intense scrutiny. Le Pen, who has previously stated that she intends to appeal the ban, suggests that her political journey is far from over, stating emphatically, "I'm not going to let myself be eliminated like this." The coming weeks will be crucial not only for their political futures but also for the broader implications for France's far-right landscape.

For further information, see the original articles from Reuters, BBC, and Los Angeles Times.