Marine Le Pen launches 2027 French presidential campaign

Marine Le Pen officially opened her bid for the French presidency on Sunday with a rally in Hénin‑Beaumont, appearing on stage while wearing an electronic monitoring tag imposed after her recent conviction. The event, broadcast on FRANCE 24, marked the start of her campaign despite the legal constraints that have limited her ability to travel and campaign freely. International affairs editor Oliver Farry noted that Le Pen’s candidacy remains dominant in the polls, underscoring the resilience of her political brand in the face of mounting judicial challenges.

Farry attributed Le Pen’s continued lead to her long‑standing national profile and the persistent appeal of her “national preference” platform, which resonates with voters concerned about immigration and sovereignty. He also highlighted the fragmented state of the left, which has struggled to coalesce around a single, compelling alternative, further cementing Le Pen’s position at the forefront of the upcoming election race.