Marine Le Pen awaits a Paris appeals court decision on Tuesday regarding her eligibility to run in next year's French presidential election. A lower court banned her from public office for embezzling EU funds. The ruling will determine if she or Jordan Bardella leads the National Rally party in the election.
Ireland assumes the EU Council presidency on July 1, facing a critical juncture with a narrow window for major decisions due to the upcoming 2027 French presidential election. Dublin aims to advance key issues like EU enlargement and the next long-term budget, but political caution in Paris, influenced by far-right polling, limits negotiation time. The departure of Hungary's former PM Orbán has created new momentum on stalled files, presenting an opportunity for progress.
Jordan Bardella, leader of France's National Rally, has rejected the idea of seeking Donald Trump's endorsement for the 2027 presidential election, citing the US president's unpredictable nature and shifting policies. Bardella stated his party seeks only the support of French voters.
Marine Le Pen stated it's a relief Jordan Bardella could run in the 2027 French election if she is barred due to a conviction. Bardella, the National Rally leader, signaled a softer foreign policy approach than Le Pen's, emphasizing change within the EU and NATO without withdrawal.
France's cybersecurity agency Viginum has accused Israeli tech company BlackCore of orchestrating a digital interference campaign targeting Scottish First Minister John Swinney and the Scottish government during recent elections. The firm allegedly used proxy social media accounts to spread disinformation, with similar operations noted in France, New York, Togo, and Angola. The sponsor behind BlackCore's actions remains unidentified.
French President Macron's political center is at risk of collapse ahead of the 2027 election, as the succession battle intensifies. His inability to run for a third term could benefit fringe parties and challenge pro-European cooperation.
