Le Pen to run for president in 2027, MEPs see her as tougher opponent than Bardella

Marine Le Pen has announced she will run for the French presidency in 2027, a move that European Parliament members believe positions her as a more formidable candidate than her party's current president, Jordan Bardella. Despite a fraud conviction that Le Pen plans to appeal, MEPs suggest her long political career and perceived connection to voters' concerns about war, energy, and purchasing power give her an edge.

Centrist and left-wing MEPs contacted by Euronews expressed concern over Le Pen's candidacy, viewing her as more appealing to French voters than the younger Bardella. They noted that Le Pen has built her career on representing the people against the elite, a strategy seen as more popular than Bardella's efforts to gain credibility with the upper class. Bardella's romantic relationship with a descendant of Italian royalty was also mentioned as a potential alienating factor for working-class voters.

Le Pen's past presidential bids and legal battles have contributed to an outsider image that generates support, with one MEP stating, "People admire her scars." Lawmakers believe her experience will be crucial in presidential debates, making her a tougher opponent in the second round of elections compared to Bardella, who is seen as less prepared for high-level political discourse beyond talking points. Bardella has also taken a more restrictive stance on aid to Ukraine, opposing the sending of weapons and troops.