Jordan Bardella Positions Himself as Potential Successor to Marine Le Pen
As Marine Le Pen faces legal challenges that could jeopardize her political future, Jordan Bardella, the current president of the Rassemblement National (RN), is increasingly positioning himself as a potential successor and leading the party’s campaign for the upcoming municipal elections. A recent legal development involves accusations of misuse of European Parliament funds, specifically allegations that RN improperly employed parliamentary assistants whose work primarily benefited the party itself.
Legal Challenges Facing Marine Le Pen
A French prosecutor has requested a five-year ban on Marine Le Pen from holding public office. This request stems from an investigation into the alleged misuse of European Parliament funds. The case centers around accusations that Le Pen and several other RN members misused approximately €800,000 in parliamentary expenses between 2010 and 2016. Reuters reported on this development in January 2024.A conviction and ineligibility ruling could substantially impact Le Pen’s ambitions to run for president in 2027.
Bardella’s Readiness and public Support
When questioned about possibly replacing Le Pen as the presidential candidate in 2027, Bardella stated his readiness to lead the government and affirmed the RN’s intention to participate in the presidential election, aiming for victory and offering a new direction for France. A recent Odoxa poll, published in Le Figaro in February 2026, indicates that 69% of RN supporters believe Bardella would be a stronger candidate than Le Pen. Le Figaro
municipal Elections as a Stepping Stone
Prior to the municipal elections scheduled for March 15th and 22nd, Bardella reiterated the RN’s goal of winning as many municipalities as possible. He framed these elections as a demonstration of the party’s ability to deliver change immediately, rather than waiting for a potential presidential election. The RN is targeting cities like Agde and Carcassonne as key areas for potential gains.
Focus on Agde and Carcassonne
In Agde, Aurélien Lopez-Liguori, a RN Member of Parliament representing the 7th constituency of Hérault, highlighted the city’s alignment with the RN’s ideology. Agde was previously led by Gilles d’Ettore (les Républicains) for 23 years, who resigned in 2024 due to a judicial investigation involving illegal taking of interest and corruption. France Bleu. His first deputy later assumed the mayoral position.
Bardella also emphasized the RN’s growing support in Carcassonne, noting the party’s increasing electoral success in the Aude department and the number of RN deputies elected to the National Assembly from the region.
Key Takeaways
- Marine Le Pen faces potential ineligibility for the 2027 presidential election due to ongoing legal proceedings.
- Jordan Bardella is actively positioning himself as a potential successor and is gaining support within the RN base.
- The RN is focusing on the upcoming municipal elections as a means to demonstrate its ability to govern and deliver immediate change.
- Agde and Carcassonne are key target cities for the RN in the municipal elections.