Reference Message Network reported on April 2 that an article titled "Marine Le Pen Loses to the Rule of Law, a Major Battle Looms" was published on the website of the US "New York Times" on March 31. The article is excerpted as follows: Last year, Le Pen threatened that the trial against her might have consequences. "Tomorrow, millions of French people may find they have lost their presidential candidate," she said. After the court canceled Le Pen's eligibility to run for public office for five years on March 31, those millions of French voters felt bewildered and angry. As the ruling indicated, France is a democratic country governed by the rule of law. However, it remains unclear how far the troubled Fifth Republic can withstand the inevitable political protest storm before the 2027 election. This view will certainly face continuous attacks in the global environment, as there are increasing doubts about the legitimacy of legal systems — not only across Europe but especially under Trump's leadership in the United States. Trump once called for the impeachment of judges who made rulings against him, labeling them as "lunatics." Elon Musk, Trump's billionaire aide, said after the French court's decision: "When radical leftists cannot win through democratic voting, they will abuse the legal system to lock up their opponents." Alain Diament, a famous French political scientist, said: "The next direct target of a major political struggle after Le Pen will be the rule of law." He said: "There will be accusations of a judicial government, and attacks on our supreme court will come not only from the National Rally but also from the center-right." Bardella, Le Pen's carefully cultivated successor, declared that French democracy has died, killed by the courts. Right-wing figures across Europe expressed strong dissatisfaction with the court's ruling. Matteo Salvini, Italy's right-wing deputy prime minister, said that those who fear the judgment of voters often seek comfort from court decisions. Viktor Orban, Hungary's prime minister, stated that he supported Le Pen. In the past decade, Le Pen has led a "de-demonization" movement, transforming her party, the National Rally, from its fascist and anti-Semitic roots into a mainstream anti-immigrant party, which holds more seats in the National Assembly than any other party. She may now command this party to cause trouble. The most direct approach is to support a no-confidence motion this year, thereby overturning the centrist government of Prime Minister Francois Bayrou. This is essentially telling the French people that they should become judges and make their own verdicts in parliamentary elections. (Translated by Ma Dan) Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7488607208142537251/ Disclaimer: This article represents the author's personal views. Please express your attitude by clicking the "Like/Dislike" buttons below.