France’s Far-Right National Rally Gains Momentum in Municipal Elections

The National Rally (RN), led by Marine Le Pen and increasingly influenced by its president Jordan Bardella, has secured seats in nearly 70 cities, according to Bardella. While the party experienced losses in major urban centers, its gains in municipal elections signal a growing presence and potential for future success, particularly as France prepares for the 2027 presidential election.

Municipal Election Results: A Mixed Bag for the RN

The RN achieved victories in dozens of small and mid-sized towns across France during the recent municipal elections. A significant win for the party and its allies came in Nice, France’s fifth-largest city, where Eric Ciotti, backed by the RN, defeated a candidate supported by President Emmanuel Macron. Though, the party faced setbacks in key metropolitan areas such as Marseille, Toulon, and Nimes, despite strong initial showings.

Bardella’s Rising Profile and the 2027 Presidential Race

Jordan Bardella has emerged as a prominent figure within the RN and a potential front-runner for the 2027 presidential race. An Elabe survey conducted earlier in March 2026 indicated that 37% of French citizens hold a favorable opinion of Bardella. This compares favorably to the 33% and 32% approval ratings of Macron’s former prime ministers, Edouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal, respectively.

This shift in public perception comes as Marine Le Pen faces legal challenges. She was convicted of misusing EU funds, a conviction that could bar her from contesting the 2027 presidential election. Le Pen maintains her innocence and has appealed the decision.

A Shift in Strategy: Appealing to the Center-Right

Bardella is credited with steering the RN towards a more economically liberal approach, aiming to broaden its appeal beyond its traditional base. This strategy involves courting conservative business leaders and voters from the center-right Les Républicains party, a demographic historically wary of Le Pen’s National Rally. This shift is seen as crucial for securing a presidential victory, which requires winning more than half the vote.

Impact on the Upcoming Senate Election

The RN’s increased representation in municipal councils, with over 3,000 elected officials now holding positions across France, is expected to significantly influence the upcoming Senate election in September 2026.

Le Pen’s Continued Role and Internal Dynamics

Despite Bardella’s rising prominence, Marine Le Pen remains a key figure within the RN. She has publicly supported Bardella and hailed the municipal election results as a major win for the party. However, tensions exist within the party regarding its future direction and leadership.

Le Pen has warned against the potential risks of reaching out to right-wing voters and candidates, suggesting the possibility of “unpleasant surprises.”

Macron’s Declining Popularity

With Macron unable to seek reelection in 2027 due to term limits, his current approval rating stands at just 25%, according to the Elabe survey, creating a political vacuum that the RN is attempting to fill.