French Far-Right Revives Veil Ban Debate Ahead of 2027 Vote

The French far-right party Rassemblement National (RN) has revived its proposal to ban the wearing of the hijab, according to a report from Le Parisien published Monday. The renewed discussion comes as the party positions itself for the 2027 presidential election.

Le Parisien reports that the move carries political risk for the RN, potentially alienating voters who view the party as too extreme. The outlet suggests the party could face a return of its former "diabolized" image, a term used to describe past perceptions of the party as beyond the political mainstream.

The proposal is not new for the RN, which has long campaigned on strict secularism and restrictions on religious symbols in public spaces. However, according to Le Parisien, the timing and framing of this renewed push could complicate the party's broader strategy of appearing more moderate and electable ahead of the next presidential vote.

france

The report indicates that internal discussions around the veil ban are part of a wider effort to define the party's platform for 2027. Yet the outlet notes that such a hardline stance may energize opponents and create fresh vulnerabilities in a race where the RN has sought to broaden its appeal beyond its traditional base.

Observers will be watching whether the RN leadership doubles down on this proposal or softens its language in the coming months, as the party balances its core supporters against the need to win over undecided voters. The debate is expected to intensify as the election cycle progresses.