A political scenario once viewed in Brussels as highly unlikely is now being discussed with increasing seriousness: a French presidential runoff in 2027 between two candidates from opposite ends of the political spectrum, both deeply critical of aspects of the European Union and NATO, POLITICO writes.
For months, Jordan Bardella, the young leader of the far-right National Rally, has remained the favorite in polling for the presidential race. The expectation among many centrist and moderate political figures was that a mainstream candidate would eventually emerge to challenge him in the second round and rally voters against the far right. Recent developments, however, suggest that assumption may no longer hold.
Attention has increasingly shifted to Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the veteran leader of the far-left France Unbowed movement, whose campaign has gained momentum and whose chances of reaching the runoff have improved significantly. New polling data indicates that he could secure second place in the first round, potentially shutting centrist candidates out of the decisive stage of the election altogether.
Such a prospect has alarmed many within France's political center. Former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, currently regarded as one of the strongest mainstream contenders, openly acknowledged the concern. “A lot of people believe that if they have to choose between the France Unbowed and the National Rally ... it would be a nightmare. And I agree,” he said.
