RN stalls on 2027 campaign as internal debate over public veil ban intensifies

The Rassemblement national remains on the sidelines as it prepares for the 2027 presidential race, citing internal hesitation over its retirement reform and a European tour by leader Jordan Bardella. Central to the party’s turmoil is its longstanding promise to prohibit the Islamic veil in public, a proposal that lacks a clear implementation timeline or definition of the targeted garments. On a televised interview, deputy Jean-Philippe Tanguy suggested imposing a fine on any woman wearing a veil should Marine Le Pen secure the presidency.

This stance has exposed rifts within the RN and forced Republican contender Bruno Retailleau to voice opposition to a measure popular among right-wing voters. Eurodeputy Philippe Olivier, a close adviser to the RN candidate, argued that emphasizing veil and immigration issues helps the party set the political agenda and attract support.