Le Pen casts herself as protector of France as troubles swirl

Key Points:

• Far-right leader Marine Le Pen launched her 2027 presidential campaign in Orléans, positioning herself as the protector of France amid social unrest and economic challenges, aiming to reassure voters with promises of stability and national renewal.
• Le Pen emphasized restoring public order, securing borders, and expelling undocumented migrants, while avoiding direct attacks on political opponents and presenting her party as a unifying force for a better future.
• Polls show Le Pen as the front-runner with 34% support, ahead of center-right and far-left candidates, and she is favored to win in a potential run-off election.
• The rally drew over 8,500 supporters amid heightened security following recent nationwide protests and violence, including a deadly shooting in a Paris suburb that sparked debate over political responsibility.
• Critics, including Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure, blame the National Rally for fostering divisive rhetoric, while the party counters by accusing the far left of inciting violence.