Jordan Bardella Defends Marine Le Pen Amid Pending Court Ruling
As Marine Le Pen awaits a potential ruling on her eligibility for the 2027 presidential election, Jordan Bardella expresses confidence in her political future.
The political future of Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally party (formerly Front National), hangs in the balance as a Paris court is set to deliver a ruling on March 31, 2025, concerning allegations of misappropriation of public funds in a case involving European Parliament assistants.
A ruling including a disqualification penalty for Le Pen could prevent her from running in the 2027 presidential election, even if she chooses to appeal.
The prosecution's request for such a penalty was expected, as it is a standard consequence for convictions related to public fund misappropriation.
However, the demand for immediate execution of this penalty has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum, including members of right-wing parties and those within the presidential majority.
In a recent appearance on LCI, Jordan Bardella, current president of the National Rally and Le Pen's protégé, stated that he does not foresee Le Pen being declared ineligible, describing this possibility as "completely crazy." He expressed his belief that the prosecutor's recommendations represent a politically motivated action against someone who has previously run for president three times and who currently stands as a strong contender.
Bardella emphasized his commitment to proving the integrity of their political movement while acknowledging the potential for an appeal should the ruling not be in their favor.
Le Pen had earlier indicated on Europe 1 that she was awaiting the verdict with "serenity." Despite Bardella's support, he has publicly stated that he is not considering a presidential run in two years as a contingency should Le Pen be ineligible, though he did not entirely dismiss the ambitions attributed to him.
As the political landscape in France awaits the court's decision, both Bardella and Le Pen prepare to address further developments, which could have significant implications for their party and its direction in the lead-up to the election.