Le Pen Refutes 'Tutor' Role for Bardella in 2027 Presidential Bid

Marine Le Pen has rejected the notion that she would serve as a "tutor" to Jordan Bardella, the president of the National Rally (RN) party, should he win the 2027 presidential election. The controversy arose after Philippe Ballard, an RN lawmaker, suggested Le Pen would play a significant role, akin to a mentor, if Bardella became president.

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She will be a tutor.

Ballard's comments, made on France Info, implied Le Pen would be a "tutor" to Bardella. This suggestion quickly circulated on social media, drawing criticism from political opponents and causing some embarrassment within the RN party. Ballard later attempted to clarify his remarks, stating he meant Le Pen would remain an important figure, given her long political career, but the initial phrasing caused a stir.

Le Pen addressed the issue directly during an appearance on LCI, firmly denying any intention to take on a "tutor" role. She drew a parallel to her own experience as president of the FN (now RN), where her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, remained very involved in her decisions. Le Pen stated she would not replicate that dynamic with Bardella, emphasizing that she does not envision herself as prime minister, a role she expects Bardella to fill if he were to win the presidency. The RN lawmaker Jean-Philippe Tanguy also downplayed Ballard's comments, attributing them to a slip of the tongue and urging against overinterpretation.

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You know her for many years in French politics, you cannot erase a person like Marine Le Pen like that.

The situation highlights the internal dynamics and succession planning within the RN party as it looks towards the 2027 elections. Le Pen's strong refutation of the "tutor" role underscores her desire to maintain a distinct and independent position, even as she supports Bardella's potential rise to the presidency. The party appears keen to manage public perception and avoid internal discord as the election cycle approaches.

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When I became president of the FN (now RN), my father (Jean-Marie Le Pen) would have liked to remain so and was extremely present in the decisions I made. I will not do the same to Jordan.