Jordan Bardella's Vision for National Unity Government
The president of the National Rally (RN), Jordan Bardella, has articulated his ambitious vision for forming a national unity government. In an interview, Bardella emphasized his desire to be the Prime Minister, leading a government that enjoys an absolute majority. He stated unequivocally that he would not accept the role of Prime Minister unless his party holds an absolute majority in the National Assembly, thereby avoiding a subordinate role to the President of the Republic. This stance is a strategic move to galvanize his voter base ahead of the upcoming legislative elections.
Criticism from Government Officials
Bardella's statements have drawn sharp criticisms from multiple senior government officials. Gabriel Attal, the head of government, accused Bardella of setting numerous conditions rather than presenting a concrete program. Attal highlighted various instances where the RN had backtracked on significant proposals, including the repeal of the pension reform, the ban on dual nationality, and the reduction of VAT on essential products. He argued that the RN's campaign is characterized more by denials and approximations rather than solid policy measures.
Further criticism came from Bruno Le Maire, the Minister of Economy and Finance, who labeled the RN's program as 'national denial.' Le Maire argued that the RN had retracted many of the key economic measures they had proposed during the European campaign. He pointed out that the RN's promises, such as the abolition of VAT on basic necessities, were either delayed or ineffective, and claimed that the party's program lacks substance on purchasing power issues. For Le Maire, these retractions demonstrate that the RN is incapable of crafting a viable economic plan without increasing taxes.
The critiques from these high-profile political figures underline the government's stance that the RN is not prepared to lead the country with a coherent or practical set of policies.
- Bruno Le Maire's comments reflect a broader concern within the government about the economic strategies proposed by the National Rally. By labeling the RN's program as 'national denial,' Le Maire emphasized the lack of consistency and feasibility in their economic policies.
- Le Maire specifically criticized the RN's plan to abolish VAT on basic necessities, calling it ineffective and poorly planned. He argued that such measures would not benefit consumers as intended but would rather favor distributors and manufacturers.
- The government's critique indicates a belief that the RN's proposed economic approaches would lead to increased taxation, a move that the party appears reluctant to admit publicly.
- Gabriel Attal's remarks also touch on the RN's inconsistencies in other major policy areas like pension reform and dual nationality. He highlighted the party's tendency to backtrack on these issues as indicative of a lack of commitment and clarity in their political agenda.
