Marine Le Pen has launched her campaign for France’s 2027 presidential election from her political stronghold of Hénin-Beaumont.
The National Rally leader delivered her first major campaign speech on Sunday. She returned to the northern French town after RN lawmakers met in Le Touquet on Saturday.
Le Pen enters the race with a strong position in the polls. An OpinionWay survey for Les Échos and Radio Classique put her at 34% for the first round across the tested scenarios.
However, the campaign begins under pressure. Recent disputes have raised questions about unity inside the National Rally.
Le Pen Faces Questions Over Bardella
Much of the attention has focused on Le Pen and RN president Jordan Bardella.
French media have reported tensions between the two politicians. The dispute reportedly grew after Le Pen considered giving her niece, Marion Maréchal, a larger role in the campaign.
A report by Libération claimed Bardella had said, “it’s her or me.” Bardella later rejected suggestions of a serious breakdown.
He publicly insisted that he strongly supports Le Pen. He also described their political and personal relationship as unbreakable.
Still, the two figures do not always share the same approach.
Bardella has taken a more cautious position on several issues. That includes pensions, economic policy and Le Pen’s proposal for a referendum on restrictions involving Islamic veils in public spaces.
Ukraine Aid Creates Another Rift
The RN has also faced disagreement over France’s support for Ukraine.
RN vice-president Louis Aliot recently called for France to stop funding additional weapons for Kyiv. His comments triggered criticism from Édouard Philippe, a potential 2027 presidential rival.
Philippe accused the RN of weakening Ukraine and helping Russia.
Le Pen quickly responded. She pointed to past French contacts with Russian officials during Philippe’s time as prime minister.
Bardella later defended the party’s position but took a more measured line. He questioned whether France should provide money without guarantees that it would eventually recover the funds.
Migration Deal Adds Pressure
Another dispute involves Bardella’s agreement with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
The two politicians signed a migration agreement linked to a possible future government in Britain and France. The deal concerns migrants intercepted while crossing the English Channel.
The agreement has created political problems for the RN because Le Pen has not publicly endorsed the arrangement.
Critics have also questioned whether the agreement could force France to accept migrants returned from British waters.
Police Scandal Hits National Rally
The party has faced another controversy over comments made by a municipal police officer in Carcassonne.
A video released by Midi Libre showed officers making racist, sexist and conspiracy-related remarks during a night patrol.
The patrol leader had previously volunteered with the RN’s internal security team. He also accompanied Bardella during several political appearances.
The RN expelled the officer after the video emerged. Bardella described the comments as “despicable.”
French authorities also suspended the four officers shown in the footage.
Le Pen Seeks to Regain Momentum
Despite the controversies, Le Pen remains the leading candidate in current first-round polling.
Her 34% showing in the latest OpinionWay survey gives her a significant advantage over several potential rivals.
Now, her challenge is to turn that polling lead into a disciplined campaign.
The Hénin-Beaumont rally marks an important moment. Le Pen must present a united party while managing disagreements with Bardella and other senior figures.
Bardella is expected to play a major role in the campaign. However, questions remain about how much influence he will have if Le Pen wins the presidency.
For now, the RN remains the clear frontrunner in the early 2027 race. Yet the disputes surrounding the party show that Le Pen still faces a difficult path before election day.
