The political landscape in France has undergone a significant shift, introducing a fresh face and a new figure – 28-year-old Jordan Bardella.
Leading the hard-right faction, he has played a crucial role in steering the National Rally to a decisive lead in the initial round of parliamentary elections.
Bardella, the selected candidate for prime minister from the party, is now on the verge of assuming power if National Rally manages to secure a majority in the upcoming round of voting.
“I urge our supporters to mobilize and put in a final effort next Sunday – the upcoming vote will mark a pivotal moment in the contemporary history of France,” he emphasized.
Originating from the collaborationist era of Vichy France, National Rally has undergone a transformation under the leadership of Marine Le Pen, as she labored to render it electable and palatable to the masses.
Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella campaigning for the National Rally in June. Pic: AP
A pivotal element of this transformation revolves around Le Pen’s young protege. Bardella expressed to the press that an administration led by the National Rally would uphold the traditional republican principles of the country.
“I will always ensure your rights, freedoms, and our shared republican values. I commit to upholding freedom, equality, and fraternity,” he affirmed.
Challenged from the leftist front by the New Popular Front, an impromptu coalition of socialists, communists, environmentalists, and far-left faction France Unbowed.
Initial outcomes indicate their strong performance, securing around 28% of the total vote.
The unequivocal losers in this contest were Emmanuel Macron’s centrist coalition, Ensemble, which fared poorly, capturing only 21% of the vote.
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Navigating through the aftermath
When Macron announced these unexpected elections, he took a risk assuming that the defeat suffered by his alliance in recent European elections would not be replicated. However, his assumption proved to be incorrect.
Macron’s premier, Gabriel Attal, acknowledges the need for damage control now: “Our objective is clear – we must prevent the right from securing an absolute majority in the initial round.”
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What will unfold in the forthcoming days will shape the future landscape of French politics like never before.
The Rush of Campaigning in Final Round
As the candidates advance into the final round, we are about to witness an intense week of campaigning where they will strive to solidify their positions.
Horse-Trading in Constituencies
In constituencies where three candidates progress to the second round, political parties will engage in fervent negotiations to secure advantages for their candidates.
Protesters against National Rally clamber on to the statue at the Republique Plaza in Paris on Sunday
Confrontation Between Protesters and Police
The recent political shift in the country has generated a sense of instability, evident both in the political sphere and on the streets.
Following the announcement of the results, protesters took to the streets, setting up barricades and vandalizing properties in various cities.
Law enforcement responded by using tear gas and resorting to baton charges to control the situation.
The far-right faction now stands at the threshold of gaining control over the national assembly, although the repercussions of their triumph remain uncertain.
