Judge Bénédicte de Perthuis, who presided over the tribunal that barred Marine Le Pen from France’s 2027 presidential race, has been placed under police protection after her home address was leaked online and she received violent threats.
The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed an investigation into the intimidation campaign, which escalated after Monday’s ruling that found Le Pen guilty of misusing €4 million in EU funds. Far-right forums and social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), circulated de Perthuis’ photo and personal details, prompting security measures at her residence and courthouse.
Macron Defends Judicial Independence Amid Far-Right Backlash
President Emmanuel Macron broke his silence during a cabinet meeting, condemning the threats as “unbearable” and affirming the judiciary’s role as a democratic pillar.
Government spokeswoman Sophie Primas reiterated Macron’s stance, emphasizing that rulings must be respected regardless of political fallout. The backlash reflects deepening polarization: an Odoxa poll revealed 90% of Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) supporters believe she was unfairly targeted, while 50% of the broader public deemed the trial impartial.
Le Pen Denies Inciting Violence But Vows Legal Fight
Though Le Pen condemned the threats against de Perthuis, she accused the judiciary of orchestrating a “political assassination” of her presidential ambitions. The far-right leader, who led pre-trial polls for 2027, plans to appeal the five-year election ban.
RN allies in Europe echoed her claims, with Italy’s Matteo Salvini calling the verdict “a blow to democracy.” Legal experts note appeals could take years, leaving France’s far-right without its flagship candidate ahead of the next election cycle.
France’s Top Judge Warns of Democratic Erosion
Christophe Soulard, head of France’s Court of Cassation, described the threats as symptomatic of a “weakened democracy” in a Le Monde interview. “Attacking judges is attacking the rule of law itself,” he stated, highlighting how social media has intensified harassment of judicial officials.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin and the High Council for the Judiciary issued statements supporting de Perthuis, framing the backlash as a test of institutional resilience.
Global Parallels: Trump’s Judge Attacks and Beyond
The case mirrors tensions in other democracies where populists challenge judicial authority. U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts recently rebuked Donald Trump’s calls to impeach judges, asserting that appeals—not intimidation—are the proper recourse. Analysts warn such trends threaten judicial independence worldwide, with far-right movements increasingly framing courts as “enemies of the people.”
What Happens Now for France’s Political Landscape?
With Le Pen sidelined, RN may pivot to her protégé Jordan Bardella as its 2027 candidate. Meanwhile, Macron’s government faces pressure to safeguard judges while addressing voter discontent.
As protests from both far-right and judicial reform advocates mount, the de Perthuis case has become a litmus test for France’s commitment to separating legal and political powers.
