Author: Corentin Lesueur
President Emmanuel Macron’s declaration of the dissolution of the Assemblée Nationale on June 9 set the stage for the Rassemblement National (RN) to implement its “Matignon plan,” prepared over two years. Despite setbacks like the shutdown of Campus Héméra and controversial party members, RN president Jordan Bardella remained focused on nominating candidates for the upcoming legislative elections. Macron’s announcement triggered the unveiling of candidates with racist and xenophobic backgrounds, raising concerns within the party. Read more Subscribers only Anti-Semitism, Russia, conspiracies: The far-right candidates contradicting the RN’s ‘mainstreaming’ As the snap parliamentary elections approached, RN leaders hoped to avoid radical…
Jordan Bardella, Gabriel Attal and Manuel Bompard, during their debate on the television channel TF1, on Tuesday, June 25. DIMITAR DILKOFF / AFP French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal was right to emphasize the significance of the upcoming snap legislative elections during a televised debate on TF1. With the country preparing for crucial elections following the dissolution of the Assemblée Nationale by President Macron, representatives from major political blocs took the stage on Tuesday, June 25. The debate, however, steered clear of international affairs, focusing instead on domestic issues and electoral promises. Read moreSnap elections in France: How it works, precedents,…
Jordan Bardella’s press conference to present his policy platform in Paris on Monday June 24. CYRIL BITTON / DIVERGENCE FOR LE MONDE Jordan Bardella, the self-proclaimed “candidate of the truth,” recently presented his policy platform for France’s snap legislative elections. Despite promising to treat all citizens equally, Bardella revealed plans to reserve strategic public sector positions for French citizens only, discriminating against dual nationals. This proposal, backed by the far-right Rassemblement National party, has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the potential impact on millions of people in various job sectors. Implications and Interpretations The proposed referendum on immigration and…
In a moment of verbal slip-up, far-right political leader Jordan Bardella reassured “French people of foreign origin or nationality” about his policy platform, emphasizing the importance of work, tax compliance, law-abiding behavior, and love for the country. Marine Le Pen downplayed the incident as fatigue-induced while Bardella avoided addressing the issue directly, reflecting a long-standing sentiment within the French far-right. The use of the term “French of foreign origin” has roots in the Front National’s ideology, focusing on a biological definition of citizenship. ‘French on paper’ Despite Marine Le Pen’s claims of equality for all French citizens, there are underlying…
The president of the Rassemblement National, Jordan Bardella, in Paris, on May 16, 2024. EMMANUEL DUNAND / AFP Jordan Bardella, from the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, surprised many by mimicking Emmanuel Macron’s style in TV appearances and debates. Despite initial amusement, concerns arose about Bardella’s approach and its impact on public perception. As he faces off against other candidates, Bardella’s tendency to mock and belittle opponents has raised caution within his own camp. Ahead of critical debates, Bardella’s team emphasizes the need for humility and strategic responses to potential attacks linking the RN to controversial figures like Jean-Marie Le…
At the Comité du 9 Mai ultraright rally in Paris, France, on May 11, 2024. BENJAMIN GIRETTE FOR LE MONDE A controversial ultraright rally took place in Paris on May 11, 2024, despite efforts to ban it. The Comité du 9 Mai attracted hundreds of identitarian, neo-fascist, and royalist activists to commemorate the death of Sébastien Deyzieu 30 years ago. Despite facing legal challenges, the supporters were able to march without interference, showcasing nationalist symbols and chants. Nazi salutes and symbols Led by Gabriel Loustau, the group displayed Nazi salutes, tattooed symbols, and military-style marching. The ban on the rally…