Ségolène Royal Enters Socialist Primary as Marine Le Pen Secures RN Candidacy Amid Legal Turmoil

On July 10, former minister Ségolène Royal officially announced her candidacy for the Socialist Party's (PS) closed primary, slated for autumn 2026. Royal is the third individual to declare participation in the PS primary, aiming to secure the party’s presidential nomination for the 2027 election.

Meanwhile, Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right Rassemblement National (RN), faces significant legal challenges yet remains the party's confirmed candidate. On July 7, the Paris Court of Appeal sentenced Le Pen to one year in prison with an electronic bracelet and 15 months of ineligibility related to a parliamentary assistants scandal dating back to her time with the Front National. Le Pen has announced her intention to appeal to the Court of Cassation, France’s highest court, which will suspend the sentence pending its ruling.

Despite these proceedings, Le Pen declared her candidacy again during a TF1 news broadcast, with RN president Jordan Bardella — who was previously viewed as a potential candidate — now firmly backing her campaign. This development highlights the RN's continued focus on Le Pen's leadership despite legal uncertainties.

Together, these announcements reflect the political dynamics shaping the 2027 presidential race, with left-wing contenders positioning themselves through the PS primary while Le Pen consolidates her status on the far right even amid legal battles.