Proponents of the current National Rally strategy argue that Marine Le Pen remains the party’s most effective electoral asset. Despite her legal challenges, her ability to mobilize the party’s base and her long-standing recognition among French voters make her the most viable candidate for the 2027 presidential election. From this viewpoint, the decision to place Le Pen at the top of the ticket is a pragmatic choice designed to maximize the party’s chances of victory in a highly competitive political environment.
Supporters emphasize that the partnership between Le Pen and Jordan Bardella is a strength rather than a weakness. By positioning Le Pen as the presidential candidate and Bardella as the prospective prime minister, the party offers voters a clear and experienced leadership team. This division of labor allows Le Pen to focus on her core populist message while Bardella can continue to manage the party’s operations and appeal to younger or more business-oriented demographics.
Furthermore, advocates suggest that the party’s core identity is inextricably linked to Le Pen’s vision. Attempting to pivot too far from her established platform under Bardella could have risked alienating the party’s traditional supporters. By maintaining her leadership, the RN ensures ideological consistency and prevents the internal fragmentation that often plagues political movements during leadership transitions. For those focused on winning the Élysée Palace, the stability provided by Le Pen’s return is seen as an essential component of their long-term success.
Ultimately, this perspective holds that the party’s primary goal is to secure power, and the current arrangement provides the best path to that objective. The perceived demotion of Bardella is viewed not as a failure, but as a strategic alignment of roles that plays to the unique strengths of both leaders, ensuring that the party remains a dominant force in French politics.