In a bold move ahead of France’s parliamentary elections this Sunday, Jordan Bardella, the 28-year-old leader of the far-right National Rally party, has outlined his party’s ambitious agenda to address France’s pressing issues while positioning himself as the nation’s potential next prime minister.
Speaking passionately to voters, Bardella emphasized that the National Rally (RN) is “the only credible alternative” capable of meeting the aspirations of the French people.
Central to his campaign are promises to tackle the cost of living crisis, tighten immigration policies, and strengthen law and order measures.
Bardella’s proposals include strict measures such as expelling foreign criminals and abolishing the Droit du sol, which grants nationality to anyone born on French soil and living there for at least five years between the ages of 11 and 18.
This stance underscores RN’s firm stance on immigration, aiming to prioritize French citizens and restrict access to social benefits. Recent opinion polls indicate that RN leads the race, ahead of the left-wing New Popular Front and President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Renew party.
The election, scheduled over two rounds on June 30 and July 7, could potentially pave the way for RN to emerge as the largest party in the National Assembly. However, projections suggest they may fall short of an absolute majority.
In a televised debate held earlier this week, Bardella sparred with Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and Manuel Bompard of the New Popular Front. The debate highlighted stark contrasts in policy, with Attal dismissing RN’s economic agenda as disastrous.
President Macron, in a podcast, cautioned against the “extreme” paths proposed by both RN and France Unbowed, criticizing their potential to divide French society along ethnic or religious lines.
Undeterred by criticism, Bardella doubled down on his nationalist platform, pledging to reserve sensitive defense and security roles exclusively for French citizens and proposing cuts to the welfare budget aimed at prioritizing French nationals.
He acknowledged potential legal challenges, suggesting readiness to use a referendum to push through constitutional amendments if necessary.
The rise of RN reflects a broader trend of populist sentiments across Europe, challenging traditional centrist parties like Macron’s Renew.
Bardella’s rhetoric has resonated with voters disillusioned by economic uncertainties and concerns over security and immigration, propelling RN to the forefront of French politics.
As France braces for pivotal elections, Bardella’s leadership ambitions hinge on voter turnout and the ability to mobilize support for RN’s agenda.
With Macron’s presidency on the line, the outcome of these elections will determine the future trajectory of French politics, influencing policies on immigration, economic reform, and national identity.
With just days remaining until the first round of voting, all eyes are on whether Bardella and RN can secure a decisive mandate, potentially reshaping France’s political landscape for years to come.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
