Bardella to Run for French Presidency if Le Pen Barred

Jordan Bardella, president of France's far-right National Rally, has confirmed that he will run for the French presidency in 2027 if Marine Le Pen, the party's current leader and three-time presidential candidate, is barred from candidacy due to her recent embezzlement conviction. Le Pen, who remains the party's preferred candidate, was banned from holding public office for five years following a court ruling in March, a decision she is appealing and claims is politically motivated. Bardella, 29, stated his willingness to step in as 'her candidate' if Le Pen's ban is upheld, emphasizing party unity and Le Pen's presumption of innocence. Recent polls suggest Bardella would attract significant support if he replaces Le Pen as the candidate. Bardella has been a rising figure in the party, previously leading National Rally’s European Parliament lists and heading the Patriots for Europe group.