Jordan Bardella, the leader of France’s far-right National Rally (RN), has confirmed his willingness to stand for president in 2027, backing Marine Le Pen’s leadership of the party while also positioning himself as a potential successor should she be barred from running.
In an interview published Saturday by Le Parisien, Bardella made it clear that he would be prepared to take the helm, with Le Pen’s backing, if the three-time presidential candidate remains ineligible.
Le Pen, who has long been the face of France’s far-right, suffered a significant legal setback in March. A court convicted her and several other National Rally officials over a fraudulent EU parliament jobs scandal.
The ruling resulted in a prison sentence, a fine, and a five-year ban from standing for public office, which is currently in effect pending her appeal.
Le Pen is determined to have the conviction overturned and hopes her appeal will be heard soon, giving her a chance to quash or amend the verdict and regain her eligibility for the 2027 election.
In the wake of Le Pen’s legal troubles, Bardella, still only 29, has emerged as a possible replacement. While reaffirming his loyalty to Le Pen, Bardella emphasized the importance of maintaining unity within the party and its mission.
“There is no ambiguity about the fact that Marine Le Pen is my candidate,” he told Le Parisien. “But if she was prevented from running tomorrow, I think I can tell you that I would be her candidate.”
Bardella’s remarks mark the most definitive indication yet that he would step up as the National Rally’s presidential candidate in 2027 if Le Pen is unable to run.
The young leader has been groomed as Le Pen’s protégé and has steadily increased his profile within the far-right movement, positioning himself as a natural successor to her leadership.
For now, the 2027 election is expected to be a crucial moment in France’s political history. Le Pen had hoped that 2027 would be her best chance to win the presidency, particularly with President Emmanuel Macron required to step down after serving two terms.
In her envisioned scenario, Bardella would serve as her prime minister. However, Bardella’s comment about the overlap between the qualities needed for a presidential candidate and those required for a prime minister suggests that he may have ambitions for the presidency regardless of Le Pen’s status.
As the political landscape for 2027 begins to take shape, other contenders are already making their moves. Macron’s camp is considering potential successors, with former prime minister Édouard Philippe having already expressed his intention to run.
Another ex-premier, Gabriel Attal, is also said to be mulling a campaign. On the centre-right, Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, who previously served as interior minister, has voiced his interest in standing for the presidency. “Do I want it? Yes. Do I have the project? I’m working on it,” Darmanin said in a recent interview.
With the 2027 race still in its early stages, it remains unclear who will ultimately emerge as the primary challenger to the far-right’s growing influence.
For now, the National Rally, under Bardella’s leadership or with him as its presidential candidate, appears set to continue its challenge to France’s political establishment.
