Political dilemma: Implementing the Bardella plan while ignoring Marine Le Pen's ineligibility presents a significant challenge for the RN.
In the swanky Cercle Interallié, Paris, a guest stirs the crowd with a question aimed at Jordan Bardella, the 27-year-old leader of the National Rally (RN). "How can you be a likely presidential candidate without officially throwing your hat in the ring, yet still staying in the game?" the curious soul inquires, after shelling out 97 euros for a lunch-debate.
A ripple of interest ripples among the crowd under the golden leaf ceiling, but it's soon quelled by Sophie de Menthon, the event's organizer, who declares, "This isn't a financial question." Her declaration earns the nod of approval from Bardella, who'sLocation here, promoting his pro-business stance.
With the 2027 presidential vote over a year away, Bardella navigates the political landscape carefully, avoiding landmines, and remaining calm in the face of polls and public surveys that indicate a significant portion of RN supporters want him as the face of the extreme right.
After reading 77% of the original article, here are some insights:
- Jordan Bardella, born in September 1995, is the current president of the National Rally (RN).
- He joined the RN in 2008 and was elected its leader in 2022, securing 85% of votes from the internal voting committee.
- Known for his media presence and debating skills, he has become a key figure in the RN, often defending the party's anti-immigration and Eurosceptic positions.
- Bardella's candidacy for the 2027 presidential election is under scrutiny due to Marine Le Pen's five-year public office ban following a conviction for embezzling EU funds in March 2025.
- Some question Bardella's political depth and his ability to expand the RN's voter base beyond its core supporters, as demonstrated by his 13.8% first-round performance in the 2021 regional elections in Île-de-France.
- Internal tensions within the RN and Le Pen's reluctance to explicitly endorse Bardella as her successor also draw attention.
- Bardella's youth and lack of executive experience have become talking points for both supporters and opponents.
Let's continue with the rewritten article:
The political dance continues as Bardella moves cautiously amidst questions, skirting political landmines and keeping his cool demeanor amidst polls and street-level interviews. A large chunk of RN supporters views him as the perfect face for the extreme right in the 2027 presidential race, but over a year away, there's plenty of ground to cover before the vote.
Over the years, Bardella has climbed the ranks of the RN, stealing the spotlight with his media presence and debate prowess. He's preserved the party's anti-immigration and Eurosceptic principles while appealing to a younger audience, earning him the nickname, "the new face of the French far-right."
However, his ascension to political stardom hasn't been without critique. Some argue that Bardella lacks the political depth needed to lead the country. His 13.8% first-round performance in the 2021 regional elections in Île-de-France wasn't enough to quell concerns about his ability to expand the RN's voter base beyond its core supporters.
Another point of contention is the internal tensions within the RN, highlighted by Marine Le Pen's reluctance to endorse Bardella as her successor despite his role as the RN president. The situation tests the party's ability to present a united front in the face of legal challenges to its influential leader.
Despite the criticism, Bardella's youthful energy and lack of executive experience have drawn support from many. At 27, he's the youngest RN leader, and his youthful exuberance appeals to younger voters.
Bardella's candidacy for the 2027 presidential election is in question due to the five-year public office ban imposed on Marine Le Pen in March 2025 following her conviction for embezzling EU funds. If the ban remains in effect, Bardella has promised to run for president and represent the RN.
But will the French public be ready for a 31-year-old as their president? With over a year to go until the election, only time will tell.
- The potential candidacy of Jordan Bardella for the 2027 presidential election remains in question due to Marine Le Pen's five-year public office ban, but Bardella has promised to run if the ban remains.
- Despite concerns about his political depth and ability to expand the RN's voter base beyond its core supporters, Bardella's youthful energy and lack of executive experience have drawn support from many, with his youthful exuberance appealing to younger voters.
- With over a year to go until the election, the internal tensions within the RN and Marine Le Pen's reluctance to explicitly endorse Bardella as her successor have drawn attention, testing the party's ability to present a united front in the face of legal challenges.
- In the swanky Cercle Interallié, Paris, after a lunch-debate where he shelled out 97 euros, a guest posed a question aimed at Bardella about his presidential candidacy without officially declaring it, to which Bardella gracefully navigated, promoting his pro-business stance.
