Marine Le Pen has officially kicked off her latest presidential campaign in the historic city of Orleans, addressing thousands of cheering supporters with a promise to lead a national "renaissance." Standing before a crowd of roughly 8,500 people, the far-right figure framed the upcoming election as a historic opportunity to restore authority and security to a country she claimed is spiraling out of control.

The campaign launch unfolds against a backdrop of severe domestic turmoil in France, where anti-government protests have rocked major cities since mid-September. The European regime has faced persistent criticism over its handling of the unrest, which has included widespread looting, hundreds of arrests, and violent clashes. Le Pen has aggressively capitalized on the chaos, accusing the current administration of incompetence while portraying her political platform as the sole guarantor of law and order.

While the National Rally (RN) has spent years attempting to soften its image through a strategy of mainstreaming and distancing itself from historical controversies, analysts remain deeply skeptical of its economic proposals. Critics argue that the party's platform remains fiscally questionable and maintains a disruptive, eurosceptic foreign policy agenda. Nevertheless, party membership has surged significantly, indicating a broader social acceptance among working-class voters and disillusioned middle-class citizens.

Security for the Orleans event was exceptionally tight, with the city brought to a virtual standstill as businesses closed and public transport was suspended. The choice of Orleans—deeply intertwined with the legacy of Joan of Arc—underscored the party's ongoing efforts to wrap itself in the symbols of French nationalism and historical resistance. Large contingents of police were deployed to manage potential clashes with counter-demonstrators who view the party as xenophobic.

Joining Le Pen on stage was her 31-year-old protégé, Jordan Bardella, projecting an image of generational unity and presenting himself as a prospective head of government. Despite recent media scandals and internal debates over specific policy proposals, the leadership attempted to project a united front as they target the leadership of the European Union’s second-largest economy.

Source: www.aljazeera.com