Le Pen and Bardella Unite as Key Verdict Looms for France
WHO:
BBC News - Marine Le Pen is the leader of France's National Rally.
Euronews.com - Jordan Bardella is the party’s young president and a key figure in the National Rally.
WHAT:
BBC News - Marine Le Pen leads the opinion polls ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
ABC News - If the appeals court rules against Le Pen, Jordan Bardella, her 30-year-old protégé, would replace her on the ballot.
Euronews.com - Le Pen stated, "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."
Euronews.com - Bardella expressed, "I want to reaffirm my full support, my complete friendship, and remind her that I committed myself to her in politics."
ABC News - If the appeals court upholds the March 2025 ruling, Le Pen could face a ban on holding elected office or be required to wear an electronic tag, or both.
ABC News - The presidential election is scheduled on April 18 and May 2, 2027, to choose who will succeed Macron, who cannot stand for a third consecutive term.
Euronews.com - A Paris appeals court will rule on Marine Le Pen's eligibility to run in the 2027 presidential election.
Euronews.com - Le Pen and Bardella pledged to work together regardless of the court's decision.
Euronews.com - Le Pen stated she would support Bardella "every day," "with great energy," and "with great conviction and great confidence" if she is barred from running.
Euronews.com - Bardella expressed his hope to see Le Pen elected president "in a few months’ time."
Euronews.com - The National Rally expected at least 1,200 activists to attend its country feast, although some seats remained empty.
Euronews.com - Le Pen and Bardella accused Jean-Luc Mélenchon of promoting a "racialist policy" and labeled Gabriel Attal and Édouard Philippe as "mini-Macrons."
Euronews.com - A Paris court ruled in March 2025 that Le Pen was at the center of "a fraudulent system" that siphoned off €2.9 million in European Parliament funds.
WHERE:
Euronews.com - The country banquet organized by the National Rally took place in Liévin, northern France.
WHEN:
Euronews.com - The appeals court ruling on Le Pen's eligibility is scheduled for a future date.
Euronews.com - The March 2025 ruling by the Paris court is referenced.
WHY:
Euronews.com - The court's ruling could prevent Le Pen from running in the 2027 presidential election, which is seen as her best chance for the presidency.
HOW:
Politico.eu - Bardella has begun cultivating his presidential stature with a more selective media strategy and trips abroad.
Euronews.com - Le Pen and Bardella used the country banquet to address rumors of dissent within the party.
(UPDATED July 6, 2026 17:50 UTC)
Marine Le Pen is currently leading the opinion polls as the 2027 presidential election approaches, but if an appeals court rules against her, her protégé Jordan Bardella could take her place on the ballot. Le Pen has made it clear that she remains undeterred by any obstacles, stating, "We will never be discouraged," while Bardella has publicly reaffirmed his support for her. Meanwhile, Bardella is working to enhance his presidential image through a more selective media strategy and international trips.
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(UPDATED July 6, 2026 12:18 UTC)
If the appeals court confirms the March 2025 ruling, Marine Le Pen could be banned from holding elected office or required to wear an electronic tag, or possibly both. Meanwhile, the presidential election to select a successor to Macron is set for April 18 and May 2, 2027, as he is ineligible for a third consecutive term. This upcoming election is poised to significantly shape the future of French leadership.
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(UPDATED July 6, 2026 01:30 UTC)
Marine Le Pen, the leader of France's National Rally, is awaiting a ruling from a Paris appeals court regarding her eligibility to run in the 2027 presidential election, a decision that could significantly impact her political future. At a recent country banquet in Liévin, Le Pen and the party's young president, Jordan Bardella, expressed their commitment to work together regardless of the court's outcome, with Le Pen pledging to support Bardella "every day" if she is barred from running. The event, which attracted around 1,200 activists, also served as a platform for the leaders to address internal party rumors and criticize political opponents, including Jean-Luc Mélenchon and others they labeled as "mini-Macrons."