PARIS — Looting, arson and clashes with police across France over the weekend have turned public order into an immediate test for the politicians seeking to lead the country in 2027. Marine Le Pen, the National Rally’s presidential frontrunner, has presented herself as the candidate able to restore calm. Her party leader, Jordan Bardella, said the authorities were “collapsing” and argued that National Rally was the only party capable of restoring order. The unrest could also carry political costs for Le Pen. Critics say her party risks being associated with the very instability it is condemning, while some voters may fear that her election would deepen divisions. A National Rally adviser, Charles-Henri Gallois, rejected the suggestion that the party’s rise would provoke further riots. The upheaval is complicating the strategies of other contenders. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the 75-year-old leader of the far-left France Unbowed party, faces criticism from rivals who accuse his movement of stoking anger. His party backed school protests before the weekend’s violence, and elected officials have taken part in blockades and demonstrations. Mélenchon has denied blame, accusing the government of fomenting disorder. Center-left candidate Raphaël Glucksmann has sought to separate himself from Mélenchon, condemning looters’ attacks on state institutions. An Elabe poll cited in the report placed Glucksmann at 15% to 16.5%, around the same range as Mélenchon and centrist Edouard Philippe. Philippe, a former prime minister under Emmanuel Macron, has criticized the president for failing to announce concrete measures during a televised address on Sunday. He said France needed “someone in command.” The unrest may give Philippe a chance to distinguish himself from Macron, though critics say he must offer clearer proposals if he wants to break through in the campaign. Macron has faced sharp criticism for a response that included a call for “clear answers” and a warning that those who caused destruction would face consequences, but no new measures in his Sunday address. He left for the Middle East on Monday. Lecornu, the current prime minister, announced localized curfews, movement restrictions and bans on public demonstrations. Another day of protests has been announced for Saturday, raising concerns that unrest could continue on a scale recalling France’s Yellow Vest demonstrations of 2018 and 2019. The next phase of the crisis may determine whether voters reward candidates promising tougher enforcement or turn toward leaders seen as more capable of restoring stability.