2027 Presidential Race: Jordan Bardella Ready to Step In if Marine Le Pen Is Barred

While Marine Le Pen remains the official candidate for the Rassemblement National in 2027, Jordan Bardella says he is prepared to take over should his mentor be legally prevented from running.

In an interview published Saturday, April 26, in Le Parisien, the RN president admitted he was “preparing for every eventuality,” while emphasizing that “there is no ambiguity: Marine Le Pen is [his] candidate.” The far-right leader was sentenced in late March to five years of ineligibility in the case concerning the misuse of European parliamentary funds, a ruling that could be upheld on appeal by summer 2026.

“If she were to be prevented tomorrow, I believe I can tell you that I would be her candidate,” Bardella declared. Nevertheless, he insisted there was no rush, pledging to continue “working hand in hand” with Marine Le Pen and “using every possible legal remedy” to defend their cause.

Long seen as the RN’s natural choice for Prime Minister in the event of a 2027 victory, Bardella pointed out that the qualities needed for both roles are similar: “the ability to unite, listen to, and understand the French people,” tasks he says he has made his own in recent months.

A Rise Still Facing Internal Skepticism

At 29, Bardella, a Member of the European Parliament since 2019, claims fifteen years of political experience, including seven “at a high level.” However, his limited national experience and several missteps during the last legislative campaign continue to cast doubt on his readiness. “I’m not going to pretend I have forty years of political life behind me,” he told Le Parisien.

Although Marine Le Pen backs him, Bardella’s leadership still divides the RN ranks. “While Marine commands unanimous support, Jordan doesn’t have only friends,” a party lawmaker confided to BFMTV. His recent visit to Rome to honor the late Pope Francis — a gesture no major French political figure other than President Emmanuel Macron made — further highlighted internal tensions.

According to close aides, Marine Le Pen could officially pass the torch to Bardella as early as September 2026, during the party’s next congress. Should her conviction be upheld, this event would serve as a launchpad for Bardella’s official presidential bid.