Le Pen Leads, Bardella Serves: New Power Play in French Far‑Right

Sun Sep 06 2026 05:35:07 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A photo reveals Marine Le Pen in the spotlight, with Jordan Bardella as her deputy. The change reshapes National Rally’s future as Le Pen bids for presidency.

The latest campaign image shows Marine Le Pen front‑and‑center beside Jordan Bardella, who has stepped back from presidential ambitions. After a court lifted her ban, Le Pen confirmed her 2027 candidacy, leaving Bardella in a supporting role. Bardella’s popularity among the youth and his two‑million‑strong social‑media following remain strong, yet the party’s visible leader is Le Pen. The National Rally now balances Le Pen’s campaign with Bardella’s influence, positioning him for a possible prime‑ministerial role if a snap election follows a successful presidency. The dynamics between the two will test the RN’s strategy and voter outreach in the upcoming years.

Le Pen Leads, Bardella Serves: New Power Play in French Far‑Right

Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella in campaign photo

In a striking image, Marine Le Pen appears triumphant beside her protégé, Jordan Bardella, who no longer looks eager to step into the presidency himself. The photo, taken on a campaign trail, speaks louder than any interview: after a Paris court lifted her ban on holding public office, Le Pen confirmed she will run for president in 2027, leaving Bardella in a supporting role.

Bardella, 28, had been grooming himself as a Plan B leader, doubling‑winging the RN into national and European parliaments. He once declared he preferred Le Pen to run. Now, he publicly accepts the arrangement, telling reporters he is “glad” Marine can represent the party, and will “work together hand in hand” as usual.

The shift reshapes the RN hierarchy. While Bardella’s popularity among youth – with over two million followers on social media – remains strong, Le Pen’s seasoned star power and steady poll lead of 39% positions her as the clearer face for the 2027 presidential bid.

Future steps for the RN will thus balance Le Pen’s visible campaign with Bardella’s behind‑the‑scenes influence, potentially as a future prime minister if a snap election follows a successful presidency. The party’s next big move will test how the dynamic between these two personalities translates into parliamentary strategy and voter outreach.