Far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen launched her campaign in Orléans by vowing to restore the rule of law and secure France’s borders amid widespread cost-of-living protests and civil unrest.
National Rally Campaign Launch in Orléans
Marine Le Pen addressed 8,500 supporters of her anti-immigration party in Orléans, choosing a city historically linked to Joan of Arc, who lifted an English siege in 1429. Le Pen told the crowd that her party is proposing “the dawn of a new era” rather than a return to the past. Le Pen adopted Joan of Arc as a campaign symbol, telling supporters that the national heroine began her great battle for France in the city.
The campaign launch follows weeks of unrest across France driven by mass cost-of-living rallies. More than 400,000 people marched in major French cities, with clashes erupting after masked protesters broke away from demonstrations. Police made more than 1,300 arrests, and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez blamed much of the violence on “ultra-left” extremists.
Border Control and Immigration Proposals
Le Pen promised tougher immigration laws and pledged to establish double borders, both French and European. She told supporters that French nationality would become a privilege that is either inherited or earned. Jordan Bardella, her deputy, received a standing ovation after pledging a crackdown on the ultra-left, lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 16, and deporting delinquents and criminals.
Le Pen also promised the automatic and definitive deportation of any foreigners convicted of a crime, asserting that no foreign or European authority should supersede the French constitution. She further stated that French citizens would enjoy national priority for public housing and other services over foreigners.
Polling and Political Rivalries
An Ipsos survey published alongside the campaign launch indicated that Le Pen leads the presidential field, holding support from 32% to 34% of first-round voters. Her nearest rival is hard-left candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon at 17%, pointing toward a potential second-round run-off vote in May. Voters have increasingly turned to more extremist politics amid widespread anger over President Emmanuel Macron’s administration and its handling of recent protests.
Counter-Protests and Security Measures
Thousands of counter-protesters opposed to Le Pen and her nationalist party marched in Orléans chanting anti-fascist slogans. Police filtered traffic entering the city under an intense security presence as counter-demonstrators expressed fears over the potential rise of the far right. Inside the venue, Jordan Bardella’s speech was briefly interrupted by members of a Jewish student union unfurling a banner referencing media reports regarding an old Facebook account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What legal challenges does Marine Le Pen face during her campaign?
Le Pen launched her campaign after an appeals court upheld a graft conviction against her.
Worth a look