French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has been barred from standing for the president for five years by French courts.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has openly suggested that her political heir Jordan Bardera could take her place in the 2027 presidential election as the court’s ruling threatens to derail her candidacy.
In an interview published Wednesday by the French magazine Valeurs Actuelles, the leader of the National Rally (RN) party said:
Le Pen’s statement is the most clear indication that three presidential candidates are preparing for the real possibility of becoming bystanders. In March, a French court convicted her of embezzling European Union funds and banned her from holding office for five years. She sued.
Le Pen has condemned the verdict as a “witch hunt” and a “political decision,” but the results are widespread. The Paris Court of Appeals is set to govern the case in 2026, just one year before the election. If Le Pen’s sentence was overturned or reduced, she could still return to the race.
“Jordan and I will be in the first place in the president until a trial is decided,” Le Pen said.
“Of course, the situation is not ideal. But what else would you suggest? What about committing suicide before being murdered?”
Le Pen warned that blocking her from running could alienate voters further and destabilise the political landscape. “Many French people will understand that the rules of the game are manipulated regardless of their political beliefs,” she said.
Bardella has yet to publicly comment on Le Pen’s support, and the two have long dismissed reports of internal power struggles. Still, as Bardella’s profile grows, speculation continues about their working relationships.
Bardella, 29, was elected president of the National Assembly in 2022, and Le Pen took on the role of Congress. Critics have questioned how he continues to have high pressure debate, thanks to his media-savvy and sophisticated image, but critics question how he continues to debate high pressure.
In April, Le Pen jokingly downplayed the idea that Bardera was running, saying he would become a party candidate “if he was attacked by a truck.”
President Emmanuel Macron, who leads the liberal-centric Renaissance party, is forbidden to seek a third term under the national election law. Aside from former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on the centre right, there are few key figures officially declared they were running in 2027.
Recent polls have found Bardella edging the popular Le Pen. 28% of respondents say they prefer vacations with him, compared to 22% of his mentors.
