Lead

Marine Le Pen, leader of France's far-right National Rally (RN), launched her presidential campaign on Wednesday in the small town of La Flèche in western France, a day after an appeals court confirmed her conviction for embezzling European Union funds but cleared her to run for office. The court ordered Le Pen to wear an electronic ankle tag for a year, but she said she would appeal to the Court of Cassation, France's highest court, allowing her to avoid wearing the monitor on the campaign trail.

Coverage comparison

Al Jazeera and France 24 both reported the campaign launch, noting the mixed reception as Le Pen shook hands in the street market. Some onlookers jeered "Give the money back!" and "Go to jail!", while supporters chanted "Marine, President!". The BBC's coverage focused on the political implications, particularly for Jordan Bardella, the 30-year-old RN party president who had been seen as a possible stand-in candidate if Le Pen were barred from running.

BBC reporting described Bardella as "stern-looking" and noted his "muted enthusiasm" when he appeared alongside Le Pen at the campaign event. Asked whether he was relieved or disappointed not to be the candidate, Bardella said "Neither," adding that he was glad Le Pen could represent the party and that they would work together. Le Pen announced on Tuesday evening that she and Bardella would run together as "a winning ticket," with her as president and him as prime minister.

France 24 highlighted that Bardella would be Le Pen's prime minister if she wins, though BBC analysis noted that France's next parliamentary election is not due until 2029, and while a victorious Le Pen could trigger a snap election, there is no guarantee it would happen quickly.

Key claims

  • Le Pen's candidacy: Le Pen announced she would run for the presidency next year, making her fourth attempt. The BBC and Al Jazeera both reported this, with the BBC noting that Le Pen's decision put an end to the prospect of Bardella becoming the party's candidate.
  • Conviction details: Le Pen was found guilty of embezzling €4.1 million in public funds in connection with a fake European Parliament jobs scheme. The appeals court confirmed the conviction but shortened the ban on her holding public office, allowing her to run.
  • Electronic ankle tag: The appeals court ordered Le Pen to wear an electronic ankle tag for a year, which would have required her to return home every night. Both Al Jazeera and France 24 reported this condition.
  • Appeal to Court of Cassation: Le Pen said she would file an appeal to the Court of Cassation to prove her innocence. Al Jazeera reported that the court may rule on the appeal by early April 2027. Le Pen brushed off the risk that the court could reject her appeal before the vote, telling reporters, "I'm not going to spend the presidential campaign giving you legal analyses."
  • Campaign promises: Le Pen's campaign website features the slogan "For France, Revival," with the subtitle "La Renaissance" — rebirth. BBC noted the irony that "Renaissance" is also the name of President Emmanuel Macron's party, suggesting the phrase is a dig at her political nemesis. Le Pen said the aim of her campaign is to bring about "France's revival," pledging to revive sovereignty, justice, security, and education.
  • Bardella's role: Bardella will not be the 2027 presidential candidate for the RN. BBC reported that his age and lack of experience could have been a liability, and that Le Pen's decision to run has boosted her lead in the polls. Bardella's popularity has remained solid, with an approval rating of 40% in early July, according to BBC.

Perspectives

Marine Le Pen: Le Pen maintains her innocence, stating, "The court has restored my eligibility. I am innocent, and I am filing an appeal to the Court of Cassation to prove my innocence." She added, "You have to take risks to win," and dismissed questions about her legal situation, saying she would not spend the campaign giving legal analyses.

Jordan Bardella: Bardella said he felt "neither relief nor disappointment" at not being the party's candidate, expressing gladness that Le Pen can represent them and emphasizing their continued partnership. BBC noted his subdued demeanor at the campaign event.

Critics and supporters: The campaign launch drew a mixed reaction, with some onlookers shouting "Give the money back!" and "Go to jail!", while supporters chanted "Marine, President!" and "Marine, you're the best!" A French journalist quoted by BBC likened France's political state to the Titanic, saying "France feels like the Titanic right now - sinking - at least politically!"