Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s hard-right National Rally (RN), has boldly stated that President Emmanuel Macron’s time in office is quickly running out. In a December 17 interview with Le Parisien, Le Pen explained she’s “preparing for an early presidential election, as a precaution,” citing Macron’s fragility and lack of institutional power.
Le Pen believes Macron may be forced to step down before his term officially ends in 2027, driven by tensions between his central parliamentary bloc and new Prime Minister François Bayrou, or due to France’s mounting financial woes. According to a poll published December 11, Le Pen currently leads the race for the 2027 election.
However, Le Pen’s campaign faces a challenge of its own, as she’s embroiled in an alleged EU fund embezzlement case. An early election, she suggested, could help her avoid disqualification if she were found guilty before the election.
The RN leader is convinced Macron’s presidency is nearing collapse. “Emmanuel Macron, it’s over, or almost over. My statement is not intended to be cruel; it’s an institutional reality,” she said, adding that Macron has “lost his power to appoint the Prime Minister.” She pointed to the ongoing tensions between Macron and Bayrou, who was initially rejected for the PM role before ultimately being appointed by Macron on December 13.
Le Pen also criticized Macron’s isolation on the global stage. “By his own doing, he has lost his footing everywhere on the international stage and has alienated everyone,” she argued, highlighting Macron’s failed attempts to block the EU-Mercosur trade deal and his diminishing influence within the European Union.
Since 2017, Le Pen’s National Rally has steadily gained momentum, attracting more public support and members. Her party is growing increasingly confident that it will be the next ruling force in France. Phillipe Olivier, a close advisor to Le Pen, stated in November, “RN will be in power by the end of 2025.”
Despite Macron’s attempts to hold onto power, including dismissing calls for his resignation in a December 5 address to the French people, his presidency appears on shaky ground. Following the collapse of his government on December 4, Le Pen suggests that Macron’s leadership could soon be over if the government falls again.
Le Pen’s rising influence and Macron’s declining authority could signal a shift in the balance of power in France, with the National Rally increasingly poised to take charge.
