Key facts
- Marine Le Pen will run for president in 2027 after an appeals court upheld her conviction but reduced her electoral ban.
- Le Pen's campaign strategy involves keeping her protégé Jordan Bardella, 30, closely by her side.
- Bardella is being positioned as a potential prime minister if Le Pen wins.
- Le Pen's conviction for embezzling European Parliament funds means a final ruling from France's top court is pending.
- Initial polling indicates Le Pen could advance to the runoff and win the presidency.
Marine Le Pen's strategy for the 2027 French presidential election hinges on keeping her young protégé, Jordan Bardella, closely by her side. The 30-year-old Bardella, known for his youth appeal and communication skills, is intended to broaden the National Rally's appeal and compensate for Le Pen's perceived weaknesses.
This approach comes as Le Pen faces an embezzlement conviction, which an appeals court upheld but reduced her electoral ban, allowing her to run for president. She announced her candidacy and her intention to appeal the verdict, which nullifies her house arrest until a final ruling.
Le Pen and Bardella have presented themselves as a "winning ticket," with Bardella primed for the role of prime minister. While this 'ticket' concept is not traditional in French politics, some supporters believe it could enhance democratic transparency. However, opponents and analysts note that the French presidency concentrates executive power, and Bardella's role would be implementation rather than overarching strategy.
Political scientists suggest the pairing offers strategic advantages, potentially appealing to different electorates. However, rivals plan to scrutinize any significant policy contradictions between Le Pen and Bardella, particularly on issues like pension reform, where Bardella has hinted at more flexibility than Le Pen.
Bardella's more conventional image is seen as crucial for softening Le Pen's populist and combative stance, especially amid her ongoing legal troubles. Despite the challenges, initial polling indicates Le Pen could reach the runoff and potentially win the presidency.