Marine Le Pen, leader of the Rassemblement National (RN), launched her 2027 presidential campaign this week following a court conviction [1].
The move signals the RN's determination to maintain its leadership structure despite ongoing legal challenges that could potentially impact Le Pen's eligibility for office.
Le Pen announced her candidacy during an appearance on TF1 before making her first campaign visit to La Flèche, Sarthe, on Wednesday, July 8 [1], [2]. This visit followed an appellate court conviction delivered on Tuesday, July 7 [1]. While some reports describe the ruling as a double conviction for the embezzlement of European funds [2], others focus on the timing of the appeal [3].
Le Pen has dismissed the legal distractions as a primary focus for her run. "I am not going to spend the presidential campaign doing judicial analyses," she said [4].
Supporters within her party have expressed confidence in her ability to lead. Gaëtan Dussausaye, an RN deputy, said Le Pen is fully capable of leading the campaign [3]. An unnamed RN spokesperson said there was a "great feeling of relief" within the party following the recent developments [5].
Despite the launch, the legal timeline remains a critical factor for the 2027 election. A final decision from the Cour de cassation may not arrive until early April 2027 [6]. This timeline creates a window of uncertainty regarding her legal standing as the election approaches.
Le Pen's strategy involves pairing her candidacy with Jordan Bardella, who is positioned as a potential prime minister [2]. This dual-leadership approach aims to solidify the party's governance image while Le Pen focuses on the presidency.
“"I am not going to spend the presidential campaign doing judicial analyses," said Marine Le Pen.”
The timing of Le Pen's campaign launch suggests the Rassemblement National is prioritizing political momentum over legal resolution. By initiating the race immediately after an appellate conviction, the party is attempting to frame the judicial proceedings as irrelevant to her leadership. However, the potential for a Cour de cassation ruling in April 2027 means the party's top ticket remains vulnerable to a legal disqualification just as the election cycle reaches its peak.
