Le Pen and Bardera Stand Together Amidst Uncertainty

Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally party, alongside her deputy Jourdan Bardera, showcased unity over the weekend as they braced for a significant judicial ruling that could impact their party and the future of the French government.

At a gathering of National Rally activists in Pas-de-Calais, which is known for its populist leanings, Le Pen appeared resolute despite facing a potential “political death sentence.” She is under scrutiny for allegedly misusing EU funds meant for party expenses in Brussels and Strasbourg. This situation isn’t uncommon for EU parliamentarians, and, as it stands, Le Pen has been barred from standing in elections for the next five years.

With a decision from the appeals court anticipated on Tuesday, after over a year since the initial ruling, many will find out if Le Pen can campaign for the presidency again. If not, support may shift to Bardera, a 30-year-old vice president being considered as a backup candidate in case the ban against Le Pen is upheld.

Le Pen, regardless of the court’s decision, expressed publicly that she and Bardera would “run this campaign together,” presenting a united front with shared beliefs and goals.

She mentioned that if the legal system prevents her from participating in next year’s presidential elections, Bardera would continue to support her candidacy tirelessly.

“Jordan and I have collaborated for years,” she told her supporters. “Our bond is built on trust and friendship. He’s never let me down.” Bardera, in turn, reaffirmed his support, stating his commitment to seeing Le Pen become president.

There’s a keen interest in whether Le Pen will be the candidate for the next general election and, if Bardera is elected, whether he might appoint her as prime minister. However, the power to appoint the prime minister lies solely with the president, and Le Pen may be hesitant to take a role that, while significant, lacks the prestige of the presidency.

Interestingly, there are various legal avenues available that could still allow Le Pen to compete. A legal expert noted that even if the court acknowledges the facts of her case, the five-year ban could be overturned at the national level. The argument is that MEPs do not fully represent the French citizenry’s will—an essential point in determining eligibility.

Besides this potential for a complete reversal, the court could also reduce her sentence. If the ban were shortened to under two years, she might still be able to participate in the upcoming elections, scheduled for March 2025.

If Tuesday’s appeal fails, Le Pen might consider approaching France’s highest judicial authority for another appeal, although that could complicate efforts to unify around a single candidate within the National Assembly.

Currently, the populist party is performing well in opinion polls, with either Bardera or Le Pen appearing at the top. Interestingly, Bardera’s rise in popularity aligns with rumors of a potential legal inquiry into his past. The enforcement of laws against right-wing populists has become a contentious issue across Europe, especially with suggestions that these legal proceedings against Le Pen may be politically motivated.