How Marine Le Pen’s conviction could strengthen the far-right

How Marine Le Pen’s conviction could strengthen the far-right

Author: The Times April 4, 2025 Duration: 29:33

The conviction of France’s far-right leader Marine Le Pen for embezzling European Union funds came as a major blow to her, preventing her from running in the 2027 presidential election race. Her party called the trial a 'witch hunt' and she accused the court of making a “political decision”, a sentiment shared by far-right politicians across the world. So, could Le Pen’s sentence strengthen far-right parties and benefit their leader’s popularity? And could she end up standing as president in any case?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory


Guest: Peter Conradi, Europe Editor, The Sunday Times. 

Host: Manveen Rana.

Producer: Edith Rousselot.

Further reading:

Further listening: 

Clips: AFP, France 24, Newsweek, TF1. 

Photo: Getty Images.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com 

This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 108

The Story
Podcast Episodes
How Labour plans to defeat Liz Truss [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:21
As the Labour Party meets in Liverpool for its annual conference, the dividing lines between the two biggest parties have rarely been more stark. Ahead of Sir Keir Starmer’s speech tomorrow, what might we learn about his…
Is Italy heading for its first hard right leader since Mussolini? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:34
The hard right is on the rise in Italy. Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party is tipped to win Sunday’s general election. If it does, she’ll become Italy’s first female prime minister - and the first hard right leader…
A beginner's guide to Trussonomics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:10
Newly-appointed Prime Minister Liz Truss has inherited an economy in turmoil. With the nation on the verge of recession and significant challenges ahead, what might we expect to hear from tomorrow's “Fiscal Event”?This p…
The secret history of women’s football [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:07
The Women’s Super League kicked off this weekend, following the euphoria of the Lionesses' win at Euro 2022 this summer. How was that success won? We trace the little-known history of women’s football from struggle to th…
What the world makes of Liz Truss [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:45
Liz Truss will make her first foreign trip as prime minister this week to the UN general assembly in New York. She already has plenty of experience in global diplomacy, but has sometimes ruffled feathers with her approac…
What can we expect from King Charles III? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:00
After a lifetime of preparation the former Prince of Wales became King Charles III. What kind of monarch will he be? What challenges will he face? And should the new King apologise for Britain's role in slavery and colon…
Ukraine’s fightback: A turning point in the war? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:25
Ukrainian forces have retaken over 3000 sq miles of Russian-occupied territories in the northeast of the country. Could these developments signal a change in fortunes for Ukraine? And how might Russia respond?This podcas…
A private audience: The Queen and her prime ministers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:54
Over her reign, Queen Elizabeth II saw more prime ministers than any previous monarch. What relationship did she have with them and what happens behind closed doors at the private weekly audience?This podcast was brought…
The Queen as diplomat: William Hague reflects [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:56
Over the course of her life the Queen visited every inhabited continent and met hundreds of world leaders, helping the UK forge relations across the globe. We hear from former Foreign Secretary Lord William Hague who joi…
The Elizabethan Age [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:29
Over the course of her reign, Queen Elizabeth II sustained Britain's monarchy for seven decades, between the eras of steam and Zoom. She departed possessing the gratitude and respect of the overwhelming majority of her s…