The Guardian view on the French far right: mainstream parties are running out of time | Editorial

"In a Paris courtroom, the first act of the 2027 French presidential election is already under way. On Tuesday Marine Le Pen began to answer judges' questions in her appeal against a conviction relating to the embezzlement of European parliament funds. If she wins, the far-right leader will be free to run for the presidency for a fourth time. If the sentence is upheld, her 30-year-old protege, Jordan Bardella, is almost certain to take her place in the race."

"Having presented the original verdict as an assault on democracy by judges bent on thwarting her political ambitions, Ms Le Pen has softened her stance. If the appeals court is swayed by arguments that offences committed by her National Rally party were inadvertent, a five-year ban on running for public office may be reduced or overturned. Even if she loses, however, her political opponents may not be inclined to celebrate too enthusiastically."

"Polling published this month in Le Monde suggests that Ms Le Pen's legal troubles have had little or no impact on her party's fortunes. Instead, its ideas are steadily penetrating the mainstream while retaining an insurgent, anti-establishment appeal. More than 40% of respondents to the poll believed that the National Rally would improve the situation in France when it came to security, reindustrialisation, the quality of public services and the cost of living."

Marine Le Pen is answering judges' questions in an appeal over a conviction for embezzling European Parliament funds, which could determine her eligibility to run in 2027. A successful appeal would allow her to seek the presidency a fourth time; an upheld sentence could trigger a five-year ban and likely elevate 30-year-old Jordan Bardella as the National Rally candidate. Bardella has balanced defending Le Pen while building his own credentials, broadening the party's appeal toward the traditional right and business interests. Polling in Le Monde indicates Le Pen's legal troubles have not dented the party; its ideas are penetrating the mainstream with strong support on security, reindustrialisation, public services and living costs.

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