Bardella to run for French presidency in 2027 if Le Pen barred

Jordan Bardella, president of France's National Rally, announced he would run for president in 2027 if Marine Le Pen is barred due to a recent conviction. While Le Pen plans to appeal, Bardella, loyal to her, confirmed his readiness to lead if needed.

Jordan Bardella, president of France's far-right National Rally, announced he would run for president in 2027 if Marine Le Pen, the party leader, is barred from seeking office. Le Pen, 56, was recently sentenced to a five-year ban from public office after being convicted of misappropriating funds, a ruling she denies and plans to appeal.

Bardella, 29, who is also a European lawmaker, clarified in an interview with Le Parisien that if Le Pen is blocked from running, he would step forward as the party’s candidate. He emphasized his loyalty to Le Pen but confirmed his readiness to lead if necessary.

The charges against Le Pen and some of her party members involved using European Union funds to pay National Rally staff in France. While Bardella was not implicated in the case, Le Pen maintains her innocence and intends to fight the verdict.