Marine Le Pen has announced she will run alongside Jordan Bardella in France's 2027 presidential election, attempting to leverage his popularity to secure the Élysée even as she remains barred from public office until 2030 following an embezzlement conviction. Bardella said he welcomed the joint candidacy and would work with her.
Le Pen, who visited the National Rally-held town of La Flèche on 8 July, wants to ride Bardella's popularity to the presidency herself, though experts doubt the strategy will succeed. She plans to appeal her conviction before the Paris Court of Appeal.
The first round of voting is set for 18 April 2027, with a runoff on 2 May if no candidate wins an absolute majority. The National Rally currently polls between 31% and 36%.