Cover image: Marine Le Pen lors d'un débat devant le Medef avec d'autres candidats à l'élection présidentielle française de 2027 à Paris, le 27 août 2026. © Stéphanie Lecocq, Reuters

France's far-right Marine Le Pen kicks off 2027 presidential campaign

· France 24

In France, Marine Le Pen has launched her presidential campaign with a rally in Hénin-Beaumont this Sunday, despite wearing an electronic tag following her recent conviction. On FRANCE 24, international affairs editor Oliver Farry explains why she remains the frontrunner in the polls despite her weakened legal position, pointing to her long-standing national profile, the appeal of her "national preference" agenda, and the left's struggle to unite behind a convincing candidate.