Marine Le Pen Opens 2027 Presidential Campaign in Orleans

Marine Le Pen officially opened her election campaign on Sunday at a congress of her National Rally (RN) party in Orleans, as the far-right leader gains in polls after unrest in France, Deutsche Welle reports.

She promised to restore order and national self-confidence. Following mass protests on the past two weekends that degenerated into looting and vandalism in large parts of France, she announced a tough police response, saying that ensuring security is the state's foremost duty.

"Renaissance" platform

Under the motto of "rebirth" ("Renaissance") for France, she spoke against immigration, which she said is flooding French cities, and for fighting criminal organisations and for national sovereignty. She wants to give France back its "power, greatness and radiance", as at the end of the Middle Ages. She called for tougher immigration policy, spending discipline and tax cuts for companies. She does not seek France's exit from the EU but announced she wants to push back Brussels' influence.

Polls and legal troubles

Le Pen, 58, is running for the far right in a presidential election for the fourth time, and enters the race as favourite. A recent poll gives her about 32% of the vote, well ahead of her sharpest rival, far-left politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon, at 17%. Surveys indicate she would clearly beat Mélenchon in a run-off expected in early May.

France elects a new president in spring 2027; incumbent Emmanuel Macron cannot run again after two consecutive terms. Le Pen's candidacy is overshadowed by legal problems: she was convicted of embezzling European Parliament funds and may have to campaign wearing an electronic ankle tag. She has appealed the verdict.

Jordan Bardella was re-elected RN party leader in Orleans with almost 99% of delegate votes; he is seen as Le Pen's preferred candidate for prime minister. More in our Politics section.