The National Rally (RN) experienced a mixed outcome in the recent legislative elections. While the party, led by Jordan Bardella, did not secure the absolute majority it aimed for, it made significant strides in specific regions. The RN won all constituencies in nine departments, marking a clear progression from 2022 when it won in four departments. This year, Yonne, Meuse, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Gard, Tarn-et-Garonne, and Creuse joined the list.
Julien Odoul, spokesperson for the RN, highlighted that these victories reflect voters' desire to move past Macron's presidency while rejecting the New Popular Front's (NFP) agenda. In Gard, the RN increased its representation from four to six constituencies, and in Tarn-et-Garonne, the support of the LR mayor of Montauban, Brigitte Barèges, contributed to the RN's success. The party also achieved full success in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Meuse.
On the other hand, the New Popular Front (NFP) achieved a 'flawless' performance in three departments: Hautes-Alpes, Hautes-Pyrénées, and Haute-Vienne. In Hautes-Alpes, socialist candidates Marie-José Allemand and Valérie Rossi defeated their RN opponents, shifting the department to the left. In Hautes-Pyrénées, despite the RN leading after the first round, the withdrawals of Ensemble candidates enabled the NFP's Sylvie Ferrer and Denis Fégné to win.
The presidential camp, which secured around 160 seats, did not win any department in its entirety. In 2022, it had won in Nièvre, Hautes-Alpes, and New Caledonia. Notably, Alexis Corbière won in Seine-Saint-Denis without NFP's investment, so he will not sit with the rebellious group in the Assembly.
Jordan Bardella admitted to 'errors' in his campaign and assumed responsibility for the RN's third-place finish behind the left and Macronist camp. Bardella acknowledged poor choices in candidate nominations, which disrupted the campaign's end. He emphasized the need for better professionalization of local establishments and more careful selection of candidates. Bardella also expressed regret over the misunderstood proposal regarding dual nationals holding key positions.
Despite these setbacks, Bardella remains optimistic, suggesting a 'delayed victory' and a future 'wave' that will bring the RN to power. He criticized the electoral arrangements between Macron's camp and the extreme left, which he believes contribute to the country's instability. With 143 deputies, the RN and its allies have more than 50 additional elected officials compared to 2022.
