Le Pen's 2027 candidacy dashes EU hopes for a more moderate successor

Marine Le Pen declared on Tuesday evening that she will run for French president in 2027, disappointing Brussels insiders who had quietly hoped she might cede her place to Jordan Bardella, the younger leader of the far-right National Rally. The announcement came on the same day Le Pen was sentenced to house arrest with an ankle monitor in a parliamentary embezzlement case, but she insisted on continuing her political career.

Many EU officials and lawmakers had viewed Bardella as the more pragmatic and less ideological figure, potentially easier to work with in Brussels. Unlike Le Pen, Bardella never promised to abolish the European Commission, take France out of the EU, or leave the euro. He has also softened the party's stance on retirement age and engaged with business leaders. However, analysts warn that a National Rally victory by either candidate would be a major rupture in France's relationship with the EU.

Socialist leader Iratxe García said the fight is against the far-right threat. Latvian MEP Ivars Ījabs called Bardella talented but noted his skepticism toward NATO, which could fragment the alliance. Croatian MEP Željana Zovko said Bardella is unlikely to become as EU-friendly as Italy's Giorgia Meloni, and a National Rally win could end the European project. Meanwhile, Patryk Jaki of the European Conservatives and Reformists left the door open for cooperation with either Le Pen or Bardella, if they bring real change.