Key facts
- Jordan Bardella's approval rating reached a record 47%.
- Bardella's rating increased by six points in one month.
- Riots following a PSG victory resulted in 890 arrests and two deaths.
- Marine Le Pen is also progressing in political rankings.
- Polls indicate Bardella could win a runoff against Édouard Philippe and Jean-Luc Mélenchon.
Recent riots in Paris, which occurred after a PSG victory, have coincided with a significant rise in the approval ratings of Jordan Bardella, a leading figure in the right-leaning National Rally party. According to Verian's June barometer, Bardella has achieved a record high approval rating of 47%, a six-point increase in one month. Marine Le Pen also ranks second and is showing progress. The riots resulted in 890 arrests, 180 injured officers, and two fatalities. Polls suggest Bardella could win a runoff against former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe (52% to 48%) and significantly ahead of far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon (74% to 26%). A Politico analysis highlighted a potential Bardella-Mélenchon matchup in 2027 as a 'nightmare scenario' for the EU elite, given both candidates' skeptical views on the European Union. French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin believes Mélenchon may emerge as the main challenger to the far-right.