Jordan Bardella Emerges as a Leading Political Figure in France Ahead of 2027 Elections

Jordan Bardella, president of the Rassemblement National (RN), has solidified his position as a prominent figure in French politics, topping a recent 2025 political popularity survey and setting the stage for potential leadership in the coming years. According to an Ipsos-BVA and Cesi survey, 36% of French respondents recognized Bardella as having made the biggest impact in 2025, placing him ahead of former president Nicolas Sarkozy (23%), current president Emmanuel Macron (20%), and Marine Le Pen (19%). This rise occurs despite the absence of national elections over the past year and a half and Bardella's not holding a parliamentary seat.

The survey results underscore Bardella's growing national influence, with polls indicating he could secure 35-36% of the vote in the first round of the 2027 presidential election, positioning him ahead of other candidates. Notably, Marine Le Pen was excluded from this polling, partly due to her legal difficulties following a March 31 conviction of an RN deputy, which has influenced public opinion. Bardella’s book, “Ce que veulent les Français,” has also resonated widely, selling over 80,000 copies and drawing praise from figures like Sarkozy, who likened him to Jacques Chirac.

Bardella’s political agenda is assertive, forecasting a challenging 2026 for France. He criticizes current officials such as Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard for failing to address agricultural concerns effectively. He proposes a referendum on immigration should his party come to power, arguing the economic cost of immigration outweighs its benefits. Bardella also calls for strict security reforms, advocating mandatory prison sentences without parole for serious crimes like terrorism and child exploitation. He describes France as the “most lenient country in Europe” regarding security, warning of a potential decline into a “third-world” status within a decade if decisive measures are not taken.

Despite his rising popularity, Bardella faces criticism regarding his political experience. Critics—including Xavier Bertrand and Jean-François Copé—highlight his perceived naivety. Supporters, however, consider his relative inexperience a sign of political authenticity rather than weakness.

Currently, Bardella actively engages with business leaders and media, navigating a politically charged landscape marked by protests and opposition. As he prepares for the 2027 elections, scrutiny of his policies and leadership style is expected to intensify, potentially shaping the future trajectory of French right-wing politics.