French far-right leader Marine Le Pen formally launched her presidential campaign on Sunday, promising to restore public order, rebuild national confidence and address what she described as France’s mounting economic, social and security crises. Speaking in Orléans, a city associated with Joan of Arc, the 15th-century French heroine revered by nationalists as a symbol of patriotism and sovereignty, Le Pen presented herself as the candidate best placed to guide the country through a period of political and social uncertainty. “We are not living through the end of the world but the end of a world, their world,” she said, referring to her political opponents. Addressing cheering supporters, Le Pen promised a “zero tolerance” approach to policing, declaring that restoring security was the state’s first responsibility. Her campaign launch followed protests over living costs and inequality that reportedly descended into looting and vandalism in several areas the previous weekend. Opinion polls put Le Pen ahead An opinion poll published on Sunday placed Le Pen at between 32% and 33.5%, well ahead of her nearest rival, hard-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who received 17%. The figures suggested growing support for political extremes as voters moved away from mainstream parties. Surveys also indicated that Le Pen would comfortably defeat Mélenchon in a potential second-round vote, expected to take place in early May. Seeking to project optimism, Le Pen centred her campaign speech on the theme of a national “Renaissance”. She argued that France could emerge stronger from its current upheaval by embracing her vision of security, prosperity and renewal. “We say: ‘Things were good before, they will be better tomorrow!’” she told supporters. On immigration, Le Pen pledged to restore border controls, automatically expel foreign nationals convicted of crimes and intensify action against criminal gangs and drug traffickers. However, her own legal case could complicate the campaign. Le Pen was convicted of embezzling European Parliament funds and is appealing the verdict. The case could affect her ability to campaign freely, depending on the outcome of the proceedings and any applicable restrictions. On economic policy, she promised spending restraint, lower business taxes and less bureaucracy, alongside support for French industry, innovation and artificial intelligence. She also opposed further increases in the retirement age. The party gathering was designed to demonstrate unity within the National Rally, where Jordan Bardella was re-elected president and presented as Le Pen’s preferred choice for prime minister. Bardella’s speech was interrupted by activists from a Jewish student union, drawing attention to previous accusations that he had made antisemitic comments in his youth. He has denied the allegations. Le Pen has spent more than a decade trying to reshape the National Rally, which she inherited from her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, in 2011. She has sought to soften its public image and expand its appeal beyond its traditional anti-immigration base. On European policy, Le Pen stopped short of calling for France to leave the European Union. Instead, she pledged to reduce Brussels’ influence, restore national control over borders and laws, and prioritise French interests, including avoiding foreign wars. “The future belongs to us,” she said before leading supporters in singing the French national anthem. Post navigation Starlink: Musk accuses Ukraine of violating terms over drone attacks
