A French court found Marine Le Pen guilty of misusing €474,000 in European Parliament funds, part of a larger €4 million embezzlement scheme involving her and co-defendants. Le Pen received a €100,000 fine and a four-year prison sentence (two years suspended), pending appeal. This ruling follows longstanding accusations of Le Pen’s ties to Russia, stemming from a controversial bank loan. Right-wing leaders across Europe, including Viktor Orbán, expressed outrage at the verdict.
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Following a guilty verdict in an embezzlement case, French far-right leader Marine Le Pen received a four-year prison sentence, a significant fine, and a five-year ban from holding public office, effectively ending her presidential bid. This verdict sparked outrage among MAGA influencers and other right-wing figures, who framed it as evidence of Europe’s anti-democratic tendencies and a politically motivated attack on a popular politician. They cited the ruling as proof of a systematic suppression of right-wing voices, ignoring the details of the embezzlement charges. Le Pen’s party has named Jordan Bardella as her replacement, while Le Pen maintains the option to appeal the sentence.
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Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s National Rally party, cancelled his CPAC speech after Steve Bannon concluded his address with a fascist-style salute, a gesture met with audience cheers. Bardella cited Bannon’s allusion to Nazi ideology as the reason for his withdrawal. Bannon, while denying the gesture was a Nazi salute, performed a similar salute multiple times during his speech. The incident highlights CPAC’s shift toward a Trump-centric rally and the normalization of such gestures within certain right-wing circles.
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During a Munich visit, U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with Alice Weidel of Germany’s far-right AfD party, directly contradicting German leaders who refuse to cooperate with the AfD, a policy known as a “firewall.” Vance criticized Europe’s handling of free speech and immigration, arguing against the “firewall” approach and suggesting that ignoring voters’ concerns threatens democracy. However, German officials, including Chancellor Scholz and Defense Minister Pistorius, strongly rejected Vance’s assertions, defending their democratic processes and highlighting the AfD’s ability to participate openly in the political landscape. Vance also met with other German officials, including President Steinmeier and opposition leader Merz.
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Elon Musk’s video address at a German far-right party’s campaign launch sparked widespread condemnation. He urged Germany to “move beyond” past guilt, a sentiment echoed by the AfD and criticized by Yad Vashem’s chairman as insulting to Holocaust victims. Several European leaders, including Poland’s Prime Minister, condemned Musk’s remarks, made just hours before the Auschwitz liberation anniversary. Musk’s actions, including a controversial gesture at a rally, have drawn accusations of interfering in European politics and supporting far-right figures. This is not his first instance of drawing criticism for his support for populist movements.
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Tens of thousands of Germans demonstrated against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in nationwide protests ahead of crucial elections. These protests, exceeding initial police estimates, followed Elon Musk’s endorsement of the AfD, which is currently polling at a record high of approximately 20%. The AfD, mirroring the stances of Donald Trump, opposes immigration and climate action, while the protests emphasized rejection of the party and concerns about potential coalition talks involving the CDU. Incidents of violence were reported at the counter-demonstration in Halle, where Musk addressed an AfD rally.
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Large-scale protests across Germany, including a 35,000-strong demonstration in Berlin, targeted the far-right AfD party before the February 23rd election. Simultaneously, the AfD launched its campaign, garnering support from Elon Musk, while the leading opposition party, CDU, is navigating the precarious balance between toughening migration policies and avoiding collaboration with the AfD. Concerns regarding the AfD’s rise are fueled by recent political instability and a national climate of fear following a deadly knife attack. These protests aim to highlight not only the AfD’s influence but also broader far-right trends in Europe and beyond.
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Elon Musk delivered a surprise video address to a 4,500-person AfD rally in Halle, Germany, endorsing the far-right party for a second consecutive week. He advocated for preserving German culture and values, while downplaying the significance of Germany’s Nazi past. Musk’s speech, which included criticism of Chancellor Scholz and German free speech laws, followed his controversial appearance at Trump’s inauguration and an earlier X interview with AfD leader Alice Weidel. Substantial counter-protests against the AfD occurred throughout Germany.
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John Q. Hosedrinker