Marine Le Pen’s Return Has Sidelined Her Protégé. Can They Join Forces?

Jordan Bardella stepped aside as the National Rally's presidential candidate this week, with party leader Marine Le Pen taking the position instead. Bardella previously held the role of party president and had been considered the leading contender for the nomination. Le Pen announced her candidacy on February 4, 2026. The two have worked together in the National Rally for years, with Bardella serving as Le Pen's deputy before his recent shift in role.

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