Jordan Bardella, the rising figure of France’s far-right National Rally (RN), has been sidelined in the party’s campaign for the 2027 presidential election, with Marine Le Pen reclaiming the leading role after a pivotal legal ruling last week.

The announcement came during a joint appearance in the north-western town of La Flèche, where Le Pen and Bardella confirmed their alliance for the upcoming presidential race. Le Pen is seeking the presidency, while Bardella, RN’s 30-year-old leader, is positioned as her potential prime minister. The shift marked a significant change in fortunes for Bardella, who, until recently, was seen by many as a strong contender to become France’s youngest president.

Just a day prior, polls had suggested Bardella could top the first round of voting in April 2027, emerging as a notable challenger for the Élysée Palace. However, Le Pen’s political future was uncertain due to a court conviction related to the misuse of European Union funds, which initially led to a five-year ban on holding public office. Le Pen had previously stated she would not run unless the decision was overturned and had also vowed not to participate if required to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet.

Last Tuesday, a court upheld Le Pen’s conviction but reduced the public office ban, effectively allowing her to enter the presidential race. This legal outcome prompted Le Pen to reverse her earlier decision against candidacy, announcing her intention to run. Bardella was reportedly not consulted beforehand and found himself relegated to a secondary role within the campaign.

An RN insider acknowledged Bardella’s disappointment but suggested he would ultimately benefit from stepping back, given his youth and prospects for future leadership. Observers noted the unexpected nature of Le Pen’s reversal, which caught many – including Bardella – off guard.

Recent polls post-announcement indicate Le Pen could secure approximately 36% support in the first round, leading comfortably ahead of former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe. Analysts argue Le Pen’s experience, name recognition, and established political base strengthen RN’s electoral prospects more than Bardella’s youthful appeal alone.

Despite their joint campaign, the two leaders hold contrasting views on several issues. Le Pen, 57, favors a traditional statist approach, while Bardella supports deregulation and policies more welcoming to business interests. Differences also exist on foreign policy, specifically regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which Bardella has condemned.

The campaign launch was met with a less enthusiastic crowd than previous Bardella appearances, highlighting the challenge of reconciling their differing political styles. Experts suggest Bardella will likely subordinate his ambitions in the short term, focusing instead on party unity under Le Pen’s leadership.

Le Pen maintains her innocence regarding the embezzlement charges, though two courts have confirmed her guilt in diverting approximately €4 million in EU funds to finance party activities. She plans to appeal to France’s highest court, seeking to delay any punitive measures, including the potential use of an electronic bracelet, until after the election.

Le Pen framed the court’s decision as enabling voters to choose freely, emphasizing that political legitimacy ultimately rests with the electorate’s voice. Observers suggest that despite internal tensions, this unified front may boost RN’s chances in the coming months.