On Sunday, thousands of supporters of Marine Le Pen, the prominent leader of France’s far-right National Rally party, flooded the streets of Paris to protest a court ruling that has barred her from running in the 2027 presidential election. The demonstration, spearheaded by Jordan Bardella, the party’s president and Le Pen’s designated successor as presidential candidate, follows Le Pen’s recent conviction for embezzlement—a decision that has ignited fierce debate across the nation.
Waving French flags and chanting slogans in support of Le Pen, protesters decried what they called a politically motivated attack on their leader. The National Rally has long been a polarizing force in French politics, championing anti-immigration policies and Euroscepticism.
Authorities reported a heavy police presence to maintain order, with minor scuffles breaking out between the rival factions. As the 2027 election looms, the National Rally’s next steps—and Bardella’s ability to unify Le Pen’s base—will likely shape the trajectory of France’s political landscape.
