Le Pen casts herself as protector of France as troubles swirl

Orléans, France — Far-right leader Marine Le Pen cast herself as France's protector on Sunday, addressing supporters at her first presidential campaign rally in the city south of Paris. With polls indicating her as the frontrunner for the 2027 presidential election, Le Pen sought to reassure voters by promising to safeguard the nation amid social unrest and an impending debt crisis.

In her over-an-hour-long speech, Le Pen emphasized that she aimed for "a real change in power" to spark a "Renaissance" in the country, rather than a "revolution." She pledged to restore public order, strengthen borders, and expel undocumented migrants if elected. Le Pen refrained from attacking her political opponents, instead portraying her party as the one offering French citizens a brighter future.

The eurozone's second-largest economy is grappling with cost-of-living protests, difficulties adopting a state budget, and a spiraling debt and deficit, causing markets to spook as France's borrowing costs surpassed 5% for the first time since 2002. Le Pen aimed to cast herself in a presidential role and reassure hesitant voters with her protective vision, as most agree with her ideas but some still consider it a gamble.

The rally, attended by over 8,500 supporters carrying French flags and chanting "Marine, présidente!", served as a show of force. Tensions were high, with left-wing protesters opposing the rise of the far right in Paris and nationwide demonstrations attracting hundreds of thousands of people. The National Rally leadership staged a two-day conference in Orléans under high security, with heightened police checks.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned a recent terrorist attack in the Paris suburb of Trappes, while Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure accused the National Rally of creating a mood suggesting "we are being invaded." The far-right party responded by accusing the far left of encouraging the violence.