France 2027 presidential race pits far‑right RN leader Bardella against far‑left Mélenchon amid centrist split

Recent French opinion polls show Jordan Bardella of the far‑right Rassemblement National leading the first‑round field for the 2027 presidential election, with support in the low‑30 % range. Jean‑Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France Insoumise, has surged to second place in several surveys, gaining notable backing from working‑class and immigrant communities.

Centrist figures are fragmented. Former prime minister Édouard Philippe trails behind, while Gabriel Attal, also a former premier, is gaining modest ground. Dominique de Villepin announced his candidacy, adding another high‑profile name to a crowded field. Analysts warn that without a unifying centrist candidate, the second round could be a showdown between Bardella and Mélenchon, a scenario described as a “nightmare” for the political establishment and European institutions.

Internal disagreements further complicate the left‑of‑centre landscape. Ecologist deputy Sandrine Rousseau publicly refused to support Raphaël Glucksmann, a potential left‑wing candidate, underscoring the lack of a unified front. The election dynamics point to a highly polarized contest that could reshape French politics and influence the broader European context.