Marine Le Pen, leader of France's far-right National Rally, condemned a court ruling banning her from running for office for five years as a 'witch hunt'. Found guilty of embezzling EU funds, she plans to appeal. Supporters at a rally in Paris expressed outrage, while party president Bardella claimed the ruling was an attack on democracy. French officials, including Gabriel Attal, criticized Le Pen's actions. A poll indicated many believe the justice system acted without bias. Le Pen faces a fine and a suspended prison sentence, with Bardella seen as a potential alternative candidate.