Marine Le Pen vows to restore 'rule of law' in France if elected president

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - French far-right National Rally (RN) leader Marine Le Pen pledged on Monday to restore the "rule of law" in France, arguing that criminals and organized crime networks have undermined security and state authority in the country.

"We will restore the rule of law. Who can say that there is a rule of law when criminals are not punished, when mafias impose their law in the neighborhoods?" Le Pen told a National Rally's congress in Orleans.

Thousands marched in major French cities on Saturday to protest against the rising cost of living. Similar nationwide protests a week earlier led to unrest, following student demonstrations over the poor state of the country's schools.

Presenting her political vision ahead of the 2027 presidential election, Le Pen called for a "major change of power," describing her proposed political project as a response to widespread political "inertia."

She framed her vision as a national renewal, invoking the Renaissance as a symbol of France's future development and pledging improvements in security, prosperity, justice and creativity.

She endorsed RN President Jordan Bardella as her choice for prime minister should she win the presidency, describing her proposed administration as an "open and pluralistic government" based on national unity.

The rally was briefly disrupted, prompting Bardella to urge supporters to remain calm and sing the French national anthem, while security personnel intervened.