Marine Le Pen formally launched her campaign for the French presidency on Sunday in Orléans, positioning herself as a unifying figure capable of restoring order and national pride amid a period of widespread unrest and social discontent. The far-right leader of the National Rally (Rassemblement National) addressed a rally of around 8,500 supporters in the historic city associated with Joan of Arc, underscoring themes of renewal and French sovereignty.
Le Pen, 58, framed her bid for the April 2027 election around promises to “restore the rule of law” and revitalize France’s cultural and social fabric. She called for an end to the incivilities and lawlessness that have characterized recent weeks of protests across the country, which have included violent clashes, looting, and large-scale demonstrations. “Words which come to mind are ruin, decline, riots, and even chaos,” she said, adding that she believed in the future of France and urged the nation to reclaim its destiny for the benefit of coming generations.
Her speech came amid significant unrest triggered initially by student demonstrations over inadequate school conditions and escalating into broader protests against the rising cost of living and the policies of President Emmanuel Macron’s government. On October 21, France saw more than 400,000 protesters nationwide, including high-profile marches met with a heavy police presence and over 1,300 arrests. Security forces responded with water cannon and tear gas to confront groups described by officials as “ultra-left” extremists involved in acts of violence and property damage.
Le Pen sharply criticized Macron’s administration for what she described as a lack of authority and an ineffective response to the unrest. Her campaign message emphasized a strong law-and-order stance and tighter controls on immigration, key pillars for her party. Despite her conviction for the illegal use of European Parliament funds, which may require her to campaign under electronic monitoring, polls consistently position her as the leading candidate, with an Ipsos survey showing her support at around 33% for the first round.
While Le Pen sought to broaden her appeal beyond the traditional far-right base, promising social policies such as higher workers’ wages, a stronger welfare system, and business tax cuts, her past and party associations remain contentious. The National Rally was founded by her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, who was known for extremist positions and convictions for incitement to racial hatred. Marine Le Pen has spent years trying to distance herself from that legacy. The party’s president, Jordan Bardella, named as her proposed prime minister should she win, was met with protests and accusations of antisemitism during the launch event.
Opponents warn that a Le Pen presidency could exacerbate social divisions and intensify tensions in an already volatile context. Anti-fascist demonstrators have voiced concerns over the atmosphere her leadership might foster. Despite these challenges, Le Pen’s campaign reflects a broader political moment shaped by economic difficulties, social unrest, and dissatisfaction with centrist governance, setting the stage for a deeply contested presidential election in France.