Ineligibility of Marine Le Pen: "The freedom of expression of judges should not be sanctioned at the risk of threatening the very life of democracy"

The article discusses the evolving role of judges in public discourse, highlighting a recent controversy involving Didier Guérin's comments on Marine Le Pen's eligibility for presidency. Historically, judges maintained a low profile, avoiding media interaction and public scrutiny. However, recent developments show a shift towards greater public engagement and expression among judges, particularly since the 1970s and 1990s, when judicial unions emerged and judges began to challenge political immunities. This evolution raises questions about the balance between judicial impartiality and the right to express opinions, as seen in the response from Le Pen's lawyers to Guérin's statements. The article emphasizes the importance of collective organization and solidarity among judges to uphold values of independence and impartiality.