French far-right party elects Jordan Bardella to replace Marine Le Pen

Marine Le Pen lost to Emmanuel Macron on her third bid for the presidency this year, but won 44% of the national vote, her highest score yet

Jordan Bardella was elected on Saturday to replace Marine Le Pen as president of France's leading far-right party, a symbolic changing of the guard that comes at a crucial time for the resurgent National Rally.

Mr. Bardella, an ambitious 27-year-old and outspoken member of the European Parliament, won an internal party vote with 85% support, according to results announced at a party congress in Paris.

He becomes the first person to lead the anti-immigration party who doesn't have the Le Pen name since it was founded a half-century ago.

The National Rally is seeking to capitalise on a breakthrough showing in legislative elections this year and growing support for far-right parties elsewhere in Europe, notably in neighbouring Italy.

It's also facing broad public anger over a racist comment this week by a National Rally member in parliament that cast doubt on years of efforts to soften the party's image.

Marine Le Pen has said she wants to focus on leading the party's 89 lawmakers in the National Assembly.

She's still expected to wield significant power in party leadership, and run again for the presidency in 2027.