In a closely watched speech in Chicago, US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned that President Donald Trump’s sweeping trade policies and escalating tariff measures have pushed the US economy into “uncharted waters,” with inflation expected to rise and long-term uncertainty looming large.

Powell highlighted that the scale of tariff hikes introduced by the Trump administration is “significantly larger than anticipated,” and the ongoing ambiguity surrounding trade relations could cause lasting harm to economic stability.

“These are very fundamental policy changes,” Powell remarked. “There isn’t a modern experience of how to think about this.”

While recent data shows the US economy remains relatively stable, Powell acknowledged a slowdown and emphasized that inflation could rise as tariffs trickle down to consumers. The Fed, responsible for maintaining full employment and price stability, now faces challenges on both fronts due to the tariffs.

Markets responded with sharp volatility—Wall Street saw the Nasdaq drop over 4%, the S&P 500 by more than 3%, and the Dow Jones by over 2%. Tech firm Nvidia led losses, plunging over 10% amid rising costs linked to new US export restrictions on semiconductors—a byproduct of tensions with China.

Despite the turmoil, President Trump expressed optimism on social media, citing “Big Progress!” in trade negotiations with Japan. His administration is pursuing individual trade deals, arguing they will reduce barriers and bring manufacturing back to the US.

However, this strategy coincides with deepening conflict with China, which faces tariffs of up to 145% on various exports. In response, Beijing imposed duties of up to 125% on US goods.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian urged Washington to negotiate “on the basis of equality,” warning, “There is no winner in a tariff war. China does not want to fight, but it is not afraid to fight.”

Violence in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district during recent anti-Waqf protests has taken a grim turn, with preliminary investigations suggesting the involvement of suspected miscreants from across the Bangladesh border. The Union Home Ministry is reportedly in possession of an initial intelligence brief pointing to possible cross-border instigation in the flare-up.

Three individuals have died as a result of the clashes and subsequent arson that gripped the area earlier this week. Hundreds of homes and shops were damaged or torched, forcing many residents to flee. Over 200 arrests have been made so far, though tensions remain high and the local population continues to live in fear.

The unrest was not confined to Murshidabad alone. On Sunday, violence broke out in the Bhangar area of South 24 Parganas district as supporters of the Indian Secular Front (ISF) reportedly clashed with police during a protest rally. What began as a demonstration quickly escalated into a street battle.

Viral videos from the Bhangar clashes showed dramatic scenes: police motorbikes set ablaze, a police bus overturned with its windows shattered, and a heavy deployment of riot control forces trying to contain the chaos. Protesters were seen hurling stones and makeshift weapons, while police responded with lathi charges and tear gas.

Security agencies are now investigating whether the violence in both districts is connected and if external elements are coordinating efforts to destabilize the region. Intelligence officials have flagged concerns over growing radicalisation and the exploitation of religious grievances for political mobilization.

With both districts bordering Bangladesh and having a history of communal sensitivity, central and state authorities are on high alert. Additional paramilitary forces have been deployed, and a high-level meeting is expected to take place this week to review the situation.

In a forceful stance on immigration and national security, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that visas are not entitlements but privileges that can be revoked if misused. Writing in an opinion piece for Fox News, Rubio said the U.S. government reserves the right to revoke or deny visas to those engaged in activities deemed hostile to American values or in violation of U.S. law.

His remarks follow a wave of pro-Palestine protests on American college campuses and tech workplaces, which he characterized as “antisemitic” and disruptive, allegedly fueled by “foreign agitators.” Rubio stated that the government will act against any visa holders found supporting terrorist organizations or intimidating U.S. citizens under the guise of free speech.

“The First Amendment doesn’t protect foreign nationals who engage in activities supporting designated terrorist organizations like Hamas, Hizballah, or the Houthis,” he wrote.

Backing this warning, the Biden administration—under Trump’s executive order, Protecting the American People Against Invasion—has rolled out sweeping new visa regulations effective April 11, 2025. The Department of Homeland Security mandates that all non-citizens aged 18 or older must carry identification, including visas or green cards, at all times.

Moreover, foreign nationals must register with the federal government within 30 days of arrival or turning 14, and submit biometric data regardless of their status. Legal permanent residents are also subject to these provisions.

Rubio underscored that visa holders must “prove themselves worthy” daily, declaring that those who violate the terms of their stay or U.S. law will face deportation or visa revocation.

“America welcomes those who contribute to our nation—not those who seek to destroy it from within,” he concluded.

At least 21 people were killed and 83 injured in a devastating Russian ballistic missile strike on the northern Ukrainian city of Sumy on Sunday morning, according to Ukraine's Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. The attack, one of the deadliest of the year, has drawn sharp condemnation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who urged the international community to respond forcefully to what he labeled as terrorism.

“Only scoundrels act like this—taking the lives of ordinary people,” Zelenskiy wrote on social media, posting video footage that showed burned vehicles, charred bodies, and widespread destruction in a bustling city street. He emphasized the symbolic weight of the attack occurring on Palm Sunday, a sacred Christian holiday, calling it a deliberate assault on civilians during a religious feast.

Interior Minister Klymenko said victims included people on the street, inside vehicles and public transport, and within residential and commercial buildings. “This is deliberate destruction of civilians on a holy day,” he stated.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff had recently met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg to discuss a potential peace deal, an effort shadowed by Sunday’s bloodshed. Ukrainian official Andriy Kovalenko implied that Russia is using such diplomacy as a smokescreen for continued attacks on civilians.

In response, Zelenskiy renewed his appeal to Western allies, insisting that pressure—not dialogue—is needed to stop the violence. “Without pressure on the aggressor, peace is impossible. Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles or bombs,” he said.

Russia has yet to comment on the strike. Meanwhile, Moscow has accused Kyiv of breaching a U.S.-brokered pause on targeting energy infrastructure—an agreement both nations now appear to be disregarding as strikes continue.

Russia’s invasion, now in its third year, has left Ukraine battered and increasingly reliant on foreign support amid growing war fatigue in the West.

The renewed alliance between the BJP and AIADMK, announced by Home Minister Amit Shah with AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami, marks a significant political realignment in Tamil Nadu. While the BJP has struggled in the state, this alliance grants it immediate access to AIADMK's voter base and organizational network ahead of next year’s Assembly election.

Beyond state politics, the more immediate and strategic impact lies in the Rajya Sabha. The BJP-led NDA, already holding a commanding majority in the Lok Sabha, is poised to consolidate its strength in the Upper House as well. With AIADMK’s four Rajya Sabha MPs joining the NDA bloc, the alliance now has 123 MPs—crossing the current majority mark of 119 in a House with 236 active members.

The strength could soon rise to 124 if the AIADMK secures the seat of outgoing PMK MP Anbumani Ramadoss. Adding support from six nominated MPs and one independent, the NDA’s tally reaches 131. Further gains are likely, with one seat from Andhra Pradesh expected to go to ally TDP, and up to four nominated seats likely favoring the ruling party. When Jammu and Kashmir elections are held, the BJP could add one or two more seats.

This growing majority positions the BJP to pass crucial bills more easily—most notably, the 'One Nation, One Election' bill, expected to be introduced in the upcoming session. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill’s recent passage showcased the BJP’s ability to secure issue-based support from parties like BJD and YSR Congress, whose MPs often vote independently.

For the first time since 2014, the BJP-led NDA may enjoy a clear and stable majority in both Houses—dramatically enhancing its legislative firepower.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday announced that it has issued possession notices for immovable assets worth ?661 crore, attached in connection with its ongoing money laundering probe against Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the publisher of the National Herald newspaper.

The ED, in an official statement, said that notices directing the vacation of the premises were affixed on Friday at three key locations: the iconic Herald House at ITO in New Delhi, AJL’s property in Bandra, Mumbai, and its building on Bisheshwar Nath Road in Lucknow.

The central agency took the action under Section 8 and Rule 5(1) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. These properties were provisionally attached by the ED in November 2023, marking a significant development in the politically sensitive investigation.

The money laundering case pertains to transactions involving AJL and Young Indian Private Limited (YI), which owns AJL. The ED alleges that assets worth hundreds of crores were acquired through financial irregularities linked to the now-defunct National Herald newspaper.

Young Indian is controlled by top Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, each holding a 38% stake in the company. The ED’s probe revolves around the alleged acquisition of AJL's properties by YI for a fraction of their market value, using funds that the agency claims were misappropriated.

With these possession notices, the ED has moved a step closer toward taking control of the properties, even as the matter remains under legal scrutiny. The action could have wider political ramifications, especially given the involvement of senior Congress leadership.

The Congress party has previously dismissed the case as “political vendetta,” while the ED maintains it is following due legal process.

In a significant political development, Union Home Minister Amit Shah today confirmed that the AIADMK and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will contest the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections together. The announcement was made at a joint press conference in Chennai, where Mr. Shah was joined by AIADMK leader and former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) and newly appointed Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagenthiran.

Reiterating the historical strength of the alliance, Mr. Shah recalled the 1998 Lok Sabha elections, where the BJP-AIADMK combine secured 30 out of 39 seats in the state under the leadership of late J Jayalalithaa. “We are confident that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will achieve a resounding victory in Tamil Nadu,” Shah stated.

He emphasized that the alliance will be based on mutual respect, adding that the BJP would not interfere in AIADMK’s internal affairs. “We may also come up with a common minimum programme, if needed,” Shah said, suggesting flexibility in agenda setting while acknowledging the alliance’s diversity.

On managing the alliance dynamics, Shah remarked humorously, “Let us also do some work. Don’t worry about everything. Leave some concerns to us too,” drawing laughter from the audience.

Shah also addressed the recent leadership change within the BJP, announcing Nainar Nagenthiran as the new state party chief, replacing K Annamalai. He thanked Annamalai for his remarkable organisational contributions and noted that the young leader would now take on responsibilities at the national level.

The alliance comes after a period of estrangement. While the AIADMK and BJP contested the 2021 elections together—where BJP won four seats—the two parties parted ways in 2023. The renewed tie-up now signals a fresh strategic push ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.

China on Friday announced it will raise tariffs on US goods to 125% from the current 84%, intensifying its trade standoff with the United States. The move comes just hours after President Xi Jinping urged the European Union to stand with Beijing against “unilateral bullying”—a pointed reference to the aggressive tariff hikes imposed by US President Donald Trump.

This latest round of Chinese tariffs, effective Saturday, follows the US decision earlier this week to hike duties on Chinese imports to a staggering 145%. The Chinese finance ministry dismissed further US moves, saying, “At the current tariff level, there is no possibility of market acceptance for US goods exported to China.”

China condemned the repeated US tariff hikes, calling them a “numbers game” devoid of economic rationale. “If the US continues to play this game, China will ignore it,” a finance ministry spokesperson said. Beijing also blamed Washington for triggering global economic instability, saying, “The US should bear full responsibility for the turbulence in global markets.”

Interestingly, China claimed that Trump’s decision to pause tariffs on all other countries for 90 days came under Chinese pressure. However, the White House framed its increased tariffs on Beijing as a response to a “lack of respect” from the Chinese side.

Earlier, when the US hiked duties on Chinese goods to 104%, China retaliated by raising its tariffs from 34% to 84%. The current escalation marks a dramatic turn in the world’s largest trade conflict.

In a meeting with Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Xi warned there are “no winners” in a trade war and urged the EU to partner with China to defend global economic fairness. “Joint resistance to unilateral bullying is essential,” Xi stressed.

In a dramatic escalation of trade tensions, President Donald Trump has enforced an additional 50% tariff on Chinese goods, raising the total tariff to a staggering 104%. The move follows Trump's 24-hour ultimatum for Beijing to withdraw its retaliatory 34% tariff on U.S. products—an order that China openly defied.

The White House announced the tariff hike on Wednesday, declaring it a necessary response to China’s “unfair and abusive” trade practices. "China has robbed and ripped off the U.S. economy for far too long," Trump said, referencing Beijing’s historically higher tariffs on American goods.

Until last month, U.S. tariffs on China stood at 10%. That changed rapidly after Trump unveiled his "reciprocal tariff" policy—pledging to charge nations half of what they impose on the U.S. For China, that added 34%, pushing the total to 44%. Just last week, a "baseline" 10% tariff on all countries was introduced under a declared "national emergency" tied to trade deficits and security threats, bumping China’s total tariff load to 54%.

With today’s additional 50%, China now faces a punitive 104% levy—effectively doubling within a week. Despite the aggressive stance, Trump hinted at potential talks, posting on Truth Social, "China also wants to make a deal, badly, but they don't know how to get it started. We are waiting for their call."

China, however, remains defiant. In a scathing response, its commerce ministry labeled the U.S. move “blackmail,” warning that Beijing “will fight to the end” if pushed further.

The unprecedented tariff hike has shaken global markets, which saw their steepest drop since the COVID-19 crisis. With both economic giants refusing to back down, the world braces for the fallout of a full-scale trade war

IAF is seen extensively in carrying out HADR (Humanitarian Assistance in Disaster Relief) missions, within and outside the country, which not only gets praised for its highly professional work but also reinforces the importance of its operational capabilities. IAF’s arm of advanced Transport aircraft like C-17, C-130 and its Helicopter fleet of Chinooks and Mi-17 V5, have been discharging its strategic and tactical HADR roles respectively in a commendable manner. Even while this article is being written, the IAF is busy providing HADR support in Myanmar & Thailand post the recent deadly earthquake. However, the primary role of IAF, being the security of India’s airspace, has to be mainly ensured through an effective fleet of advanced fighter aircraft.  With its depleting fighter squadrons, unstable neighbourhood, unpredictable world order and induction of 5^th generation Chinese J-20 and J-35 stealth fighter aircraft on its northern borders, the alarm bells have started ringing towards India’s national & regional aerospace security.    

To handle a two-front war, IAF is sanctioned a strength of 42 squadrons of fighter aircraft fleet; however, due to the phasing out of an aging fleet of MiG-21, MiG-23 & MiG-27, delayed procurement and delayed indigenisation, the fleet strength has depleted to just around 30 squadrons. The depletion in the fighter squadron strength is quite alarming for two reasons. Firstly, acquisitions take a long time due to availability, cost concerns, and indecision both at the service HQ/ MoD and secondly, the fast upgradation of advanced fighters in our northern and western neighbourhood.

Lost decades for IAF ….The aging Mig-21 fleet, being the largest component of IAF’s fighter fleet and the vintage Jaguar/Mig-29 fleet were planned to be replaced with a mix of LCA, MMRCA and MRFA programme of local production as well as foreign acquisitions. MMRCA (Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft) programme of acquiring 126 aircraft dragged on for years and finally it was cancelled in 2014, post acquisition of 36 Rafale aircraft (2 Squadrons) from France.  The emergency acquisition of 02 squadrons should have been followed up with faster decision making in acquiring more Rafale squadrons through direct purchase or local production, but it never happened. Orders with HAL for the supply of LCA MK1 & MK2 have been extremely slow and way behind schedule, thereby complicating matters further.

HAL’s LCA programme…This project was conceived and started in 1983 to meet the future requirements of the IAF & Indian Navy’s fighter aircraft. It’s a project designed by DRDO’s ADA (Aeronautical Development Agency) and manufactured by HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited).   LCA made its first flight in 2001 and entered into service in 2015. In due course, IAF ordered 40 LCA MK1 and 83 MK1A but both supplies have been extremely behind schedule. HAL has delivered 2 Squadrons of LCA MK1 but MK1A has been extremely delayed, primarily due to the USA’s GE company not supplying the contracted number of Engines in the last more than two years. GE has just begun supplying engines with its 1st delivery recently, which gives some hope of the start of LCA MK 1A aircraft to IAF in the near future however, dependency on foreign collaborators for the engines would continue to be a big limiting factor till India attains self-sufficiency in this sector too.  

Fighters on offer for the IAF …..India’s fighter procurement strategy could be a mix of indigenous capabilities and foreign collaborations. IAF is quite familiar with the major fighter aircraft producing companies of the world since its previous evaluation experience for the MMRCA project. Rafale, Grippen, Eurofighter, apart from Russian MIG & Sukhoi, have been delt by IAF in the past. As per the news reports, the front runners appear to be French Rafale, American F-35 and Russian SU-57, the last two even participated in the just concluded Aero-India show at Bengaluru.   A look at the techno-economic-strategic aspect of the three may help us in the better understanding of its selection for the IAF.

Rafale F4, a 4.5th gen fighter, with its earlier variant of two squadrons already in service in the IAF, becomes an automatic choice as part of India’s quest for its MRFA. It’s known for its agility and maneuverability with large payloads. It is considered more cost-effective with lower operating and maintenance costs in comparison to the F-35. Rafale offers full sovereign control over its operational parameters in comparison to F-35; however, how far the French govt willing to transfer its technology for the Make-in-India initiative needs more clarity.  Also, with Chinese 5^th gen fighters already in India’s neighbourhood, is the IAF and the govt of India willing to go in for a 4.5^th gen Rafale variant or stick to the existing Rafale, which will be in service for the next 3-4 decades.

F-35, a 5^th gen multi-role, offensive strike fighter, is a single-seat, single-engine (Prat & Whitney F135-PW-100 afterburning turbofan), stealth fighter aircraft with three variants. It can achieve a max speed of Mach 1.6 with a range of approx. 2200 kms. It’s equipped with advanced sensors, including an AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar and AI-driven combat systems. It has seamless data sharing capabilities.  F-35A, a conventional take-off and landing for the Air Force, F-35B, short field take-off and vertical landing for the Marine Corps and F-35C for the Navy.  As of this date, the US manufacturer Lockheed Martin has already delivered more than 1000 F-35s worldwide, including USAF. F-35 has the advantage of a large global supply chain and extensive NATO interoperability. F-35s have proven their operational capabilities in the ongoing conflict in the Middle-East however, what may be of concern to India may be its exorbitant cost (approx. 80-110 million US $), tech transfer for its local production and American reliability in times of crisis due to complex software integration and strict U.S export control regulations.

Su-57, a reported 5^th gen twin-engine (Saturn AL41F1 afterburning turbofan), Russian defensive, air superiority, partial stealth fighter because of reduced radar signature. It can attain a max speed of Mach 2 with approx. max range of 3000 km. It’s highly maneuverable due to its twin engines & thrust-vectoring engines. It is also equipped with a multi-band radar suite, including L-band for stealth detection. SU-57 is expected to be cost-effective (35-40 million US$) in comparison to the F-35s. The most favourable aspect for India could be Russian reliability in crisis, operational familiarity and economical cost with no operational limitations.   

The different scenarios to address the shortages could be a mix of indigenous developments and international partnerships. The roadmap could be as follows-

Scenario a. 114 Rafale aircraft from France as part of the proposed MRFA (Multi Role Fighter Aircraft) programme, along with indigenous development of AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft). The Rafale, a 4.5 generation fighter already with the IAF, offers proven multi-role capabilities with nuclear deterrence.  This could be the most preferred path due to IAF’s familiarity in terms of tech, logistics and training. The purchase of these many Rafales would amount to about 5 squadrons, which would take care of the immediate shortfall in squadron strength. The purchase cost of these many Rafales could be an issue but with such large orders, India would be in a commanding position to leverage its strategic partnership with France, at the same time making a huge business sense to the French government. Additionally, India can continue with its indigenous stealth, 5th generation AMCA development programme. India’s DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organisation), responsible for the development of AMCA, must fast-track this development by a judicious mix of Indian Public/Private companies as well as foreign friendly collaborations. This approach would be a time-tested one, considering French reliability at the same time, avoiding American unreliability at the time of crisis and fostering the development of indigenous advanced fighter capabilities.

Scenario b. Keeping in sync with the enhanced Indo-USA strategic partnership, India could go in for its immediate MRFA need with US F-15EX, a 4.5 generation heavy fighter with advanced avionics, large payload and long-range strike potential, at the same time continue with accelerated AMCA development for the 5^th gen fighter programme. This scenario balances India’s immediate fighter shortages along with its interoperability with QUAD partners like the USA, Japan & Australia.

Scenario c. This could be a Russian option which is time-tested but, of late witnessed inconsistent delivery schedules and cost overruns. India could meet its MRFA requirement through Russian Su-35 or MiG-35, along with a few squadrons of Su-57, a reported 5^th gen fighter. This option may ensure affordability, familiarity and timely delivery, but with concerns of US sanctions.

A combination of the above measures is likely to ensure the following: a. Immediate induction of at least 02 squadrons of existing Rafale fighters.  b.   Commencement of MRFA class fighters by 2027-28 to ensure the raising of 5-6 squadrons by 2032.  c. Freeze LCA Mk2 design in 2025 to start production by 2028-29 to have 06 squadrons by 2035 as a replacement for Jaguars/MiG-29. d. Priorities AMCA development to have 1^st flight in 2028-29 and serial production by  2032-33. e. Secure foreign collaborations for engines & stealth tech at the earliest. f. Aim to start production of AMCA by 2035 to have approximately. 5 squadrons by 2040. g. In the interim, upgrade the entire fleet of Su-30 MkI with AESA radar, EW suites & Astra MK2 missiles. h. Strengthen Force Multipliers like combat drones, AEWs, AWACs & Refuellers.   

Recommendations- In order to arrest and augment the falling fighter strength of IAF by putting in place a few institutional mechanisms in place, the following measures need to be taken at the earliest.

1. Decision making at the PMO level to avoid further bureaucratic delays in facilitating early delivery of MRFA and AMCA class of fighters to IAF. PMO also needs to look at the inability of GTRE to produce the required engines for our fighter development programme and fix it without any further delay. Restore the HAL leadership to a senior IAF aviator to bring synergy and urgency among different arms of HAL, as is the case with Naval officers heading Shipyards.
2. Speed and efficiency in production/procurement- scale up HAL production of LCA MK1 & MK2 and go in for G2G for MRFA & FGFA programme.
3. Private Sector Investment- Encourage HAL/TATA/L&T/Adani/ Godrej/Kirloskar to tie-up with India’s strategic partner firms like Dassault/ GE/BAE, etc, to expedite MRFA & FGFA programmes. Private sector involvement in developing cutting-edge aerospace tech like stealth and engines is the crying need of the hour.
4. Minimise Fighter Diversity- This would help in the easy supply/ maintenance & training requirements, thereby facilitating better serviceability status of the fighter fleet.
5. Freezing of Design Specifications- IAF to freeze LCA MK2 & AMCA design specifications at the earliest so as to facilitate its early prototype delivery.
6. Adequate Budgetary Support- MoD must ensure timely enhanced capital layout for the MRFA & AMCA acquisition programme.

Conclusion….As discussed above, various options appear to be available on the table; however, what is of prime importance is an immediate intervention at the PMO level in selecting 114 MRFA, either French, Russian, American or European, to arrest & augment the grave slide in the total number of effective Fighter squadrons. Secondly, accelerated delivery of LCA (Tejas) MK1 & MK2 to IAF by overcoming roadblocks like engine & production scaling up. Thirdly, accelerated development of AMCA with a suitable engine and stealth tech needs to be tied up immediately with domestic as well as foreign collaborators to meet IAF’s 5^th gen fighter requirement, latest by 2035. This has also attained urgency given the Chinese J-20 & J-35 challenge in its immediate neighbourhood, as well as to establish India as an indigenous Aerospace power shortly. One school of thought may suggest going in for foreign fighters, both for MRFA and 5^th gen in place of AMCA, considering the past poor track record of indigenous fighter development programme however, that won’t be in the long-term interest of the country because the nation’s security can only be ensured with indigenous capabilities. In no case should IAF and the MoD repeat their mistake of 60s when it abandoned its indigenous HF Marut fighter development programme and went in for foreign aircraft, thereby missing the indigenous development of fighters completely.  IAF leadership need to be clear in putting up their case to MoD wrt MRFA & FGFA (AMCA) and pursue them relentlessly irrespective of the change in guard over time. Lastly, our top Politico-Beaurocratic leadership needs to keep in mind that no price can be too high for the insurance of our national security …. Jai Hind.  

In a political thunderclap reverberating across France and beyond, Marine Le Pen was convicted Monday for embezzling EU funds via a fake jobs scheme. The Paris court sentenced her to four years in prison — two suspended and two to be served under electronic surveillance — alongside a hefty fine and a five-year ban from standing for public office.

The ban strikes a major blow to Le Pen’s long-nurtured ambition of capturing the Élysée Palace in 2027, a race where she was considered the frontrunner. Addressing party lawmakers defiantly, the 56-year-old firebrand framed the ruling as "the system unleashing its nuclear option" to block her path. “They wouldn’t do this unless they knew we were about to win,” she declared.

While Le Pen prepares to appeal the verdict, her party — the National Rally (RN) — is rallying around its “Plan B”: 29-year-old party president Jordan Bardella, who enjoys rising popularity with younger voters and a slick digital presence. Bardella has accused the judiciary of delivering a verdict “with brutality,” claiming it could actually energize the RN’s base ahead of 2027.

The ruling drew sharp reactions worldwide. Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and the Kremlin all expressed outrage, with Trump comparing Le Pen’s situation to the “lawfare” he says he faced. Meanwhile, France’s justice ministry has slammed attacks on judicial independence, insisting the verdict was purely legal.

Political analysts warn this could deepen France’s constitutional crisis. With the RN being the largest party in parliament, Prime Minister François Bayrou could face intensified legislative gridlock.

Still, Bardella remains resolute: “We are wounded, but far from dead. The fight for the presidency is not over — it may have just begun.”