François Bayrou, the Prime Minister of France, has publicly accused U.S. President Donald Trump of meddling in French politics following Trump’s recent remarks regarding the conviction of far-right politician Marine Le Pen. In an interview with Le Parisien on Sunday, Bayrou described Trump’s comments as an example of unwarranted interference.
Trump’s remarks on Le Pen’s conviction
During the interview, Bayrou stated,
“Interference has become the law of the world.”
He emphasized that political discussions no longer respect national borders, highlighting that events occurring in France are frequently a topic of conversation in Washington.
On Friday, Trump criticized a court ruling that bars Le Pen from pursuing the French presidency. He remarked on his Truth Social account,
“They get her on a minor charge that she probably knew nothing about — sounds like a ‘bookkeeping’ error to me.”
Le Pen had been handed a four-year prison sentence for misappropriating EU funds, two years of which are suspended, and she is set to serve the remaining time under house arrest. This court ruling is currently under appeal.
Political implications and economic concerns
In light of these developments, Le Pen’s National Rally party has organized a demonstration in Paris scheduled for Sunday, showing solidarity with their leader.
Bayrou also addressed the broader implications of U.S. tariffs on the French economy, expressing concern about potential job losses and economic slowdown. He warned,
“The risk of job losses is absolutely major, as is that of an economic slowdown and a halt to investment. The consequences will be significant: Trump’s policies could cost us more than 0.5 percent of GDP.”
This statement underscores the interconnectedness of global economies and the influence of international political actions on local conditions.