The 2027 French presidential race

With over a year to go before France's 2027 presidential election, multiple pressures are shaping the early campaign landscape. A new poll shows far-right leader Marine Le Pen extending her lead over potential rivals, while French media face intensifying disinformation campaigns linked to Russia. Separately, student protests have become a flashpoint, with politicians across the spectrum seizing on the unrest to stake out positions ahead of the vote. Analysts are also examining whether Le Pen's National Rally party could win the presidency without her at the top of the ticket, given ongoing legal questions over her eligibility to run.