At a recent National Rally (RN) event, the party outlined its strategy for the upcoming legislative elections following its overwhelming success in the European polls. Marine Le Pen is set to run for the Presidency of the Republic, while Jordan Bardella is positioned as the candidate for Prime Minister. Importantly, Bardella will not stand as a candidate in the legislative elections, as he already holds a mandate as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), providing him with what the party describes as 'popular anointing.'
RN vice-president Sébastien Chenu emphasized that Bardella will lead the campaign for RN's 577 candidates in the legislative elections. The RN will campaign independently, proposing an electoral platform meant to resonate with a broad audience, including those who may have previously supported other parties, such as those of Emmanuel Macron or even the left. This strategy steers clear of alliances with other political groups, which Chenu described as 'too restrictive.'
In a significant development, the RN won the European elections in France with 31.36% of the vote, decisively ahead of the presidential majority and the Socialist Party. This outcome prompted President Emmanuel Macron to dissolve the National Assembly and call for legislative elections on June 30 and July 7. Marine Le Pen underscored that the RN is 'ready to exercise power' if they gain sufficient trust among the French electorate in these upcoming elections.
Le Pen detailed the party's priorities which include countering mass immigration, boosting the purchasing power of French citizens, and initiating the reindustrialization of the country. This message was strongly reiterated by Louis Aliot, party vice-president, who called for unity 'beyond the parties' around RN candidates, positioning the RN as the only viable alternative to President Macron's administration.
The sweeping victory in the European elections, credited to RN's nationalist and sovereignist stance, is seen as a part of a larger global trend. According to Le Pen, this trend represents 'the return of nations and protections' and serves as a counter-narrative to the 'painful globalist parenthesis' which, in her view, has caused significant suffering worldwide. This alignment with nationalist movements globally is central to RN's vision for France's future.
The RN is determined to form a ruling majority in the legislative elections, aiming to bring Jordan Bardella to Matignon as Prime Minister. The party's leadership is united in their belief that they are the only force capable of replacing Macron's administration and leading France in a new direction.
- Marine Le Pen's repeated runs for the presidency, having advanced to the second round in 2017 and 2022, demonstrate her persistent influence and determination within French politics. Her call for a majority around the RN signifies a pivotal moment for the party, which has traditionally been on the political fringes.
- The RN’s messaging focuses heavily on patriotism, national sovereignty, and protectionism. These themes are intended to galvanize a broad base of support, tapping into sentiments that are growing in various parts of the world in response to globalization and economic uncertainty.
