Marine Le Pen, despite facing legal challenges, has publicly expressed her belief that Jordan Bardella, the current president of the Rassemblement National (RN), is capable of winning the 2027 French presidential election. Le Pen, who has been a presidential candidate three times – in 2012 and 2017 for the Front National, and in 2022 for the RN – stated in La Tribune Dimanche that with Bardella, “the future of France is assured.”
Le Pen described a “campaign of denigration” targeting the 30-year-old Bardella, but voiced stronger confidence in his fifteen years of political activism than she had in the youth of current President Emmanuel Macron. She indicated she does not intend to step away from political engagement, but believes her role could evolve.
Le Pen is currently awaiting an appeal hearing, scheduled from January 13th to February 12th, regarding the case of parliamentary assistant misuse within the Front National. In a prior ruling, a Paris court sentenced her to four years of imprisonment, two of which are to be served, a fine of 100,000 euros, and a five-year ban from holding office – a penalty immediately enforced that significantly impacts her ability to run in future presidential elections.
She likened her current legal battle to a “judicial bullet,” stating it could be “your death, in reality.” Le Pen also criticized President Macron, asserting that a perceived disconnect between Macron and the French people should have prompted new elections, but that Macron’s refusal to dissolve the National Assembly has contributed to the current “disorder.”
Should the National Assembly be dissolved, Le Pen stated she would appeal directly to the Constitutional Council to determine the validity of her candidacy, citing the urgency of the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jordan Bardella’s role within the Rassemblement National?
Jordan Bardella is the current president of the Rassemblement National (RN), and Marine Le Pen believes he is capable of winning the 2027 presidential election.
What legal challenges is Marine Le Pen currently facing?
Marine Le Pen is awaiting an appeal hearing regarding a conviction for misuse of parliamentary assistant funds, which resulted in a four-year prison sentence (two years to be served), a fine, and a five-year ban from holding office.
What does Marine Le Pen say about the current political situation in France?
Marine Le Pen believes there is a significant disconnect between President Macron and the French people, and that this should have led to new elections. She also criticizes Macron’s refusal to dissolve the National Assembly.
As Marine Le Pen navigates her legal challenges and considers her future role, what impact might this shift in focus have on the French political landscape?
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