The National Rally (RN) has faced significant controversy during the legislative elections, with several candidates being criticized for their past actions and statements. Jordan Bardella, the president of the RN, admitted that there might be 'bad apples' among their candidates but assured that he would not hesitate to withdraw their nominations. Notable cases include Ludivine Daoudi, who was asked to withdraw after a photo of her wearing a Luftwaffe NCO cap with a swastika emerged, and Annie Bell, who was convicted of an armed hostage-taking in 1995.
In response to these controversies, Bardella criticized the media for their investigative efforts, claiming that journalists have extensive resources to scrutinize candidates. He justified the presence of controversial candidates by citing the lack of time following the sudden dissolution announcement on June 9, which required the party to invest 577 candidates within 48 hours.
Adding to the tension, a collective of rappers released a song titled 'No pasarán,' calling for votes against the National Rally and promoting the New Popular Front. The song, produced by DJ Kore and Ramdane Touhami, features violent and explicit lyrics targeting RN members, including Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen. The rappers express their disdain for the RN electorate and use the song as a form of 'artistic violence.'
The song also contains conspiratorial themes, attacking Freemasons and praising controversial figures like Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. The rappers criticize Imam Chalghoumi and express support for Palestine, using inflammatory language. The piece has been condemned by various public figures, including Marine Le Pen, who called for legal action against the song's creators.
This musical backlash is reminiscent of past anti-RN songs, such as the 1997 track '11'30 against racist laws,' which also featured Akhenaton. The rappers behind 'No pasarán' argue that their song is a necessary response to the growing support for the RN among young people, aiming to counteract the party's influence through provocative and confrontational art.
- Bardella's criticism of the media highlights the ongoing tension between the press and political figures, especially during election periods. His comments suggest a belief that the media's investigative efforts are disproportionately focused on the RN, possibly to undermine the party's credibility.
- The song 'No pasarán' has sparked significant debate about the role of art in political discourse. While some view it as a legitimate form of protest, others see it as crossing the line into hate speech and incitement to violence. This controversy underscores the broader societal divisions regarding freedom of expression and the limits of artistic license.
- The references to Freemasons and conspiratorial themes in the song reflect a growing trend of conspiracy theories in political rhetoric. These narratives often exploit public fears and uncertainties, contributing to a polarized and mistrustful political climate.
- The historical context of anti-RN music, such as the 1997 track '11'30 against racist laws,' shows a longstanding tradition of using music as a tool for political activism in France. This tradition continues with 'No pasarán,' illustrating the enduring power of music to influence public opinion and mobilize political action.
