France, July 16 -- Musk called Le Pen "France's last hope" on his social media platform X on Wednesday, supporting her presidential bid, which she confirmed earlier this month, even after her conviction for embezzlement was upheld on appeal.

Musk has shown support for figures on the far right and had personally backed Le Pen, particularly throughout her legal proceedings, but had previously stopped short of openly endorsing her presidential campaign.

'Free Le Pen': US conservatives rally behind French far-right leader

Election interference in France

His latest message has drawn criticism over possible interference in French politics.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urged Musk to reconsider his position, writing, also on X: "...