Marine Le Pen Asserts RN Government Readiness
Marine Le Pen assured this Tuesday morning that the National Rally (RN) had a government “ready” to be put in place in the event of an absolute majority during the second round of the legislative elections. She emphasized that this government would be “complete, competent,” and comprised of members from RN, participants in the legislative elections, and individuals from civil society. Le Pen clarified that she would not be a member of this government but would remain at the head of the RN group in the National Assembly, without seeking the presidency of the hemicycle.
Bardella-Mélenchon Debate and Election Dynamics
Jordan Bardella, president of the RN, expressed his readiness to debate with Jean-Luc Mélenchon during the week between the two rounds to present the options available to the French electorate. However, Mélenchon declined the debate, redirecting the proposal to his colleagues Manuel Bompard and Mathilde Panot. The early legislative elections have also set a record for the number of potential triangulars, with up to 306 possible in the second round, making the outcome highly unpredictable. Candidates who passed the first round have until 6 p.m. Tuesday to submit their applications for the second round.
Filmmakers Benoît Jacquot and Jacques Doillon remain in police custody, accused of sexual violence by actresses including Judith Godrèche. They dispute the accusations. In other news, the mother of Noa Argamani, an Israeli hostage released in early June, has passed away after a long battle with cancer. Hurricane Beryl, now a category 5 storm, has intensified, causing extreme weather in the Antilles but no casualties have been reported so far.
In a significant update for consumers in France, the bank card group has announced the gradual deployment of “contactless plus,” allowing for contactless payments over 50 euros. Although the cards are ready, payment terminals need updates to accommodate this change. Users will still need to enter their secret code for validation.
- Jordan Bardella has stated that he would only accept the position of Prime Minister if the RN wins an absolute majority in the upcoming elections. This commitment underscores the RN's strategy to ensure they can effectively govern and implement their policies.
- The potential for a record number of triangulars in the second round of the legislative elections adds a layer of complexity to the electoral process, making the final outcome difficult to predict. This scenario highlights the fragmented nature of the current political landscape in France.
- The accusations against filmmakers Benoît Jacquot and Jacques Doillon have drawn significant attention, particularly given the involvement of high-profile actress Judith Godrèche. The ongoing police custody of the filmmakers underscores the seriousness of the allegations.
- The introduction of “contactless plus” in France represents a significant shift in payment technology, aiming to enhance convenience for consumers. However, the transition will require updates to existing payment terminals, indicating a period of adjustment for businesses and consumers alike.
