Marine Le Pen Surges in French Presidential Polls Despite Criminal Conviction

Marine Le Pen, leader of France's National Rally party, is gaining significant momentum in the 2027 presidential race despite a recent criminal conviction for misusing European Union funds. Following the Court of Appeal's ruling, which confirmed her conviction but reduced her political ban, Le Pen's support has risen to 36% in the first round according to an Ifop poll, up from previous figures of 32-34%. In the second round, she is projected to defeat key rivals decisively, including former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal with 55% support, far outpacing far-left candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon, and narrowly leading centrist-right candidate Édouard Philippe within the poll's margin of error.

The legal drama, initially expected to end her political career, has instead fueled her campaign, energizing her base. Although seven out of ten voters doubt her innocence, her core support remains strong. Le Pen launched her campaign at the Le Plessis market, where she faced both boos demanding she "return the money" and enthusiastic chants of "Marine for President!" Her platform emphasizes anti-immigration policies and Euroscepticism, resonating with millions of French citizens and right-wing supporters across Europe.

Political opponents have condemned her candidacy as "shameful" due to the conviction, yet acknowledge her as a formidable contender. Attention now turns to France's highest court, the Cour de Cassation, which is expected to issue a final ruling before the election. For now, Marine Le Pen appears closer than ever to the presidency, signaling a dramatic shift in French and European politics.