French far-right's Bardella eyes 2027 presidency

Jordan Bardella, the 29-year-old leader of France's far-right National Rally, or RN, has said he would stand for president in 2027 if his mentor Marine Le Pen is barred from running.

Le Pen, the three-time presidential candidate, faced a major setback last month when a court convicted her and other party officials of misusing European Union funds to finance party staff in France.

The conviction resulted in a suspended prison sentence, a fine, and an immediate five-year ban from seeking public office, which applies even while her appeal is pending. Le Pen hopes the appeal will be heard rapidly and could potentially quash or amend the conviction, allowing her to stand.

Despite her legal challenges, she remains a central figure in the party, and her potential absence from the 2027 race could pave the way for Bardella's candidacy.

Bardella, widely regarded as Le Pen's successor, told Le Parisien newspaper on Saturday that he would step in as the RN's presidential candidate if she is disqualified from seeking office.

"There is no ambiguity about the fact that Marine Le Pen is my candidate, but that if she was prevented from running tomorrow, I think I can tell you that I would be her candidate," he told the newspaper. "I cannot be clearer than that," Bardella said, emphasizing "the overriding necessity to be united".

"Marine is presumed innocent and we will continue to use all possible means ... to continue to proclaim our innocence in this matter," he said.

Le Pen had envisioned becoming president in 2027, when term limits will force incumbent President Emmanuel Macron to step aside, with Bardella serving as her prime minister.

But Bardella said: "What we expect from a potential prime minister and a presidential candidate are qualities that are more or less quite similar."

Bardella's rise within the RN marks a generational shift, as he became the first party leader outside the Le Pen family in more than 50 years. His leadership aims to modernize the party's image and broaden its appeal, particularly among younger voters.

The shape of the 2027 election remains uncertain across all political parties with two years to go. A centrist candidate with Macron's support could emerge as the primary challenger to the far right, reported Agence France-Presse.

Former prime minister Edouard Philippe has already declared his intention to run, while Gabriel Attal, another ex-premier, is reportedly considering entering the race.
Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin, a prominent government figure and former interior minister, signaled his presidential ambitions on Friday.

"Do I want it? Yes. Do I have the project? I'm working on it," Darmanin told regional newspaper Voix du Nord, adding that while there were "several" potential centrist candidates, it is "our responsibility to have a single candidate".