France's 2027 presidential race sees Le Pen‑Bardella duo lead polls

As the 2027 French presidential election approaches, the legal retirement age has become a focal point of debate. The Council of Retirees' annual report warned that without reform the pension deficit could rise to 2.4 % of GDP by 2070, suggesting an average retirement age of 67.6 years would be needed to balance the system. Candidates are divided: Edouard Philippe advocates extending working life, the mayor of Le Havre proposes a 15 % capitalisation element, Bruno Retailleau backs a raise to 65 years, while Marine Le Pen favors a possible return to 60 years for long careers and Jean‑Luc Mélenchon calls for abolishing the 2023 reforms and a full pension at 60 years.

A Verian poll commissioned by Le Figaro Magazine shows the National Rally’s Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella jointly commanding 44 % support, eclipsing former prime minister Edouard Philippe at 31 % and placing other figures such as Marion Maréchal, Gabriel Attal and Bruno Retailleau between 25‑30 %. President Emmanuel Macron remains deeply unpopular, with only 22 % confidence and 74 % of respondents expressing no trust in his ability to solve the country’s problems.