PARIS, France: French far-right leader Marine Le Pen is waiting for an important court decision on July 7 about her appeal against an election ban. The ruling could either stop her from running in the 2027 presidential election or allow her to try for the presidency for the fourth time.

Politicians across France are closely watching the decision. It will decide whether Le Pen, 57, or her close ally, Jordan Bardella, 30, will represent the far right in the election, which is less than a year away. Their party, the National Rally (RN), remains very popular in opinion polls.

In March 2025, a French court imposed a five-year ban on holding public office and a four-year prison sentence on Le Pen for misusing European Parliament funds. The case is under appeal. The decision shocked many people, including leaders abroad such as U.S. President Donald Trump, who criticized it.

With RN closer than ever to gaining power in France, party leaders are now preparing for possible leadership changes earlier than expected, which could affect party policies.

When asked last month if he was preparing to run for president, Bardella repeated his usual reply: he is currently preparing to be Le Pen's prime minister.

However, many RN lawmakers feel uneasy. Even though Bardella could replace her, many members who joined under Le Pen say it would be a big loss if she is permanently banned. Lawmaker Thomas Ménagé said it would feel like a personal loss, but added that the party would accept the court's decision.

Bardella's rapid rise within the party has also sparked internal disagreements, especially over economic policies. He supports more free-market ideas than Le Pen and has suggested his own pension reforms. This has made some party members wonder how different his plans might be from Le Pen's.

Despite this, senior party leaders say they are united. One official said there were no conflicts during a June 12 meeting between Le Pen and Bardella, and their teams, to plan for the future. Lawmaker Laurent Jacobelli said that whoever becomes the candidate, they will work together as a team.

Critics say Bardella's lack of experience compared to Le Pen may become an issue if he runs for president. Analysts also note that he has made some mistakes. For example, he faced questions about his relationship with Princess Maria Carolina of Bourbon-Two Sicilies and how it might affect the party's working-class image. He was also criticized for attending the Monaco Grand Prix during a time of public protest.

Opinion polls indicate that both Le Pen and Bardella are likely to advance to the first round of the 2027 election and reach the final round. One poll showed Bardella performing better, with up to 37 percent support compared to Le Pen's 32 percent.

Analyst Frederic Dabi said this growing gap between them is significant, noting that Bardella is gaining more support among private-sector workers, business owners, and voters aged 50 to 64.

Polls also suggest Bardella may find it easier than Le Pen to win the final round against a left-wing candidate, but not against a centrist one.

Le Pen first tried to gain public support by claiming that the court's decision against her was politically motivated, but this approach did not work. Most voters, including many of her supporters, believe she should be treated like anyone else under the law.