Marine Le Pen Launches Presidential Campaign, Promises to ‘Restore the Rule of Law’

Marine Le Pen, the leading far-right candidate in France’s next presidential election, has officially launched her campaign, pledging to restore law and order and strengthen national identity if elected to succeed Emmanuel Macron.

Speaking before approximately 8,500 supporters in the city of Orleans on Sunday, Le Pen said her administration would focus on restoring public security amid growing concerns over unrest linked to recent nationwide protests.

“We are going to restore the rule of law,” Le Pen told supporters, referring to recent violence, looting, and arson that accompanied some demonstrations across France.

The campaign launch took place in Orleans, a city closely associated with Joan of Arc, a historical figure often embraced by France’s nationalist movements as a symbol of resistance and patriotism.

Addressing supporters of her nationalist and anti-immigration party, Le Pen outlined a vision focused on national sovereignty, security, and cultural preservation.

“We are proposing for the country not a return to the past, but the dawn of a new era,” she said.

The crowd responded with chants of:

“We’re going to win, we’re going to win.”

Le Pen also pledged to protect France’s cultural identity, including its language, traditions, values, and way of life.

“We want France to regain its strength,” she said, drawing enthusiastic applause from supporters waving French flags.

The campaign launch comes at a time of heightened political tensions in France following weeks of demonstrations over the rising cost of living and concerns about public services, particularly the education system.

On Saturday, more than 400,000 people reportedly participated in protests across major French cities. While much of the day remained peaceful, clashes erupted after groups of masked demonstrators broke away from the main marches.

Authorities reported more than 1,300 arrests, while Interior Minister Laurent Nunez attributed much of the violence to what he described as “ultra-left” extremist groups.

The unrest followed weeks of student protests highlighting concerns about conditions in French schools and education funding.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is expected to meet with representatives of student organisations as the government seeks to address growing dissatisfaction among young people.

Louis Letoublon, a leader of the student group Les Lyceens!, said campaigners hoped the government would respond to their concerns.

“We hope the prime minister will satisfy our demands,” he said.

Supporters attending Le Pen’s rally argued that issues such as public safety, economic pressures, and immigration require stronger leadership.

One supporter, Charlene Malingre, said she believed Le Pen could help address the country’s current challenges.

“I think Marine Le Pen could save France from the state it’s in today, particularly when it comes to the economy, security and maintaining law and order,” she said.

As France moves closer to the presidential election, debates over security, immigration, economic conditions, and social unrest are expected to remain central political issues.