On May 8, 2025, Marine Le Pen made headlines during a visit to Hénin-Beaumont, where she strongly reacted to a recent opinion poll that exclusively tested Jordan Bardella as the candidate for the National Rally (RN) in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. With a determined stance, she assured her supporters that she would not be absent from the political landscape, stating emphatically, "I am here, very much here, and more combative than ever."
Le Pen's remarks came during commemorations for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, where she seized the opportunity to address her political future amidst growing speculation about her candidacy. The controversy arose from an Ifop survey commissioned by the think tank Hexagone, which is funded by conservative billionaire Pierre-Édouard Stérin. The initial version of the poll only included Bardella as a potential candidate for the RN, which Le Pen found to be "just ridiculous."
She expressed her discontent regarding her absence from the first version of the survey, stating, "That does not offend me; I find it just ridiculous." This was in reference to her ongoing legal battles, particularly a five-year ineligibility sentence stemming from a case involving European parliamentary assistants, a decision she is currently appealing. Despite this setback, Le Pen remains optimistic about her political prospects.
In the wake of internal criticisms within the RN regarding the initial poll, Hexagone commissioned a follow-up survey at the end of April that included both Le Pen and Bardella as candidates. The results, published on May 5, revealed that both figures would likely receive similar support in the first round of voting, with estimates ranging from 32% to 35%, depending on various scenarios.
As the political landscape heats up, the second round of the election promises to be a closely contested battle. The Ifop survey predicts a tight race against former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, with Bardella and Le Pen facing off in what could be a nail-biting finish. Bardella is projected to have a slight edge at 50/50, while Le Pen is estimated at 48/52.
Le Pen's confidence in her and Bardella's standing in the polls reflects her belief in the resilience of the RN. "The National Rally, through the voice of Jordan or mine, is extremely high in voting intentions, and that is the real good news from this survey," she stated, emphasizing the party's strong position in the electorate.
Her comments underscore a strategic response to the shifting dynamics within the RN, especially as she navigates the complexities of her legal challenges while maintaining her visibility in French politics. Le Pen's history as a two-time finalist in the presidential race adds to her credibility as a contender, and her determination to remain a key player in the 2027 elections is evident.
As the political climate continues to evolve, Le Pen's ability to rally her base and assert her presence will be crucial. With the RN's polling numbers showing promise, she aims to leverage this momentum as she prepares for a potential showdown with Philippe and other candidates in the forthcoming election.
The stakes are high, and with uncertainties surrounding her legal situation, Le Pen's commitment to her political ambitions remains unwavering. The RN's strategy moving forward will undoubtedly be influenced by the results of the latest polling and the public's response to both Le Pen and Bardella as they vie for the party's leadership in the upcoming presidential race.
In conclusion, as the 2027 presidential election approaches, Marine Le Pen's assertive response to the recent polling developments indicates her readiness to fight for her place in French politics, emphasizing that she is far from finished in her political journey.
