Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella Commit to Partnership Before Judicial Ruling
Poinews.com – Tuesday’s decision by the Paris appeals court will determine whether Marine Le Pen is allowed to contest the 2027 presidential election. The ruling comes as the National Rally (RN) leaders, Le Pen and her protégé Jordan Bardella, emphasize their unity ahead of the verdict. Despite concerns about potential disqualification, the pair have vowed to remain aligned, regardless of the outcome.
Strengthening Party Solidarity
At a recent gathering in Liévin, northern France, Le Pen and Bardella addressed the public, aiming to dispel rumors of internal divisions. The event, described as a “country banquet,” drew at least 1,200 activists, though some seats remained unoccupied. Both leaders used the opportunity to reassure supporters of their combined vision for the party’s future.
“Here’s a little message for those who think that putting obstacles in our way is enough to discourage us. We will never be discouraged,” Le Pen said.
Bardella echoed this sentiment, highlighting his unwavering support for Le Pen. “I want to reaffirm my full support, my complete friendship, and remind her that I committed myself to her in politics,” he stated. He also expressed hope that Le Pen would eventually secure the presidency, stating, “I hope to see her elected president of the Republic in a few months’ time.”
Targeting Political Rivals
While their speeches focused less on policy and more on unity, Le Pen and Bardella took aim at opponents in the presidential race. They accused Jean-Luc Mélenchon of advancing a “racialist policy” and labeled Gabriel Attal and Édouard Philippe—former prime ministers—as “mini-Macrons,” suggesting they were mere extensions of the current government.
Legal Challenges and Past Elections
In March 2025, a Paris court had already ruled that Le Pen was central to a “fraudulent system” that misused European Parliament funds, totaling €2.9 million. If the appeals court upholds this finding, Le Pen would be barred from running in the 2027 election, which is considered her strongest opportunity to claim the presidency. She reached the second round in the 2017 and 2022 contests but lost to Emmanuel Macron both times. However, her candidacy for 2027 is now in question due to the legal proceedings.
