Le Pen Launches Fourth Presidential Bid with 'National Priority' Pledge

Marine Le Pen, the far-right figure and leading candidate in France's presidential election, delivered her first significant campaign address for her fourth run, advocating for a "national priority" policy. She asserted that French citizens should be given preference over foreigners. Speaking to around 2,000 supporters in Henin-Beaumont, a bastion of far-right support in northern France, Le Pen declared that nationals would have "more rights in France than others." She described this principle as a "natural and fair right, as practiced in every country globally," applicable irrespective of skin color, religion, or origin. This speech occurred seven months prior to the presidential elections. Le Pen, 58, emphasized that under her leadership, French citizens would "have priority in their own country," particularly in access to social housing. Jordan Bardella, leader of her National Rally party, was present in the front row. Polls indicate Le Pen is leading in the first round and poses a significant threat to any opponent in the second round, presenting her with her strongest opportunity yet to secure the Elysee in 2027.