Leaders of France’s Rassemblement National (RN), including Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen, emerged from a meeting at Matignon with François Bayrou asserting that “the miracle did not happen.” The discussion, which took place on Tuesday morning, failed to sway the RN’s position, with Bardella noting that “the doors were not very open.”
The meeting follows Prime Minister Bayrou’s call for a vote of confidence scheduled for September 8 at the National Assembly. The far-right party is advocating strongly for a rapid dissolution of the Assembly, a move that Marine Le Pen reiterated, urging for an “ultra-fast dissolution” and criticizing Emmanuel Macron’s policy as “deeply toxic.”
Le Pen, leader of the RN group in the National Assembly, expressed readiness for any eventuality, telling her party’s top officials that they must be prepared for elections “today or in three months.”
Accusing Bayrou of a “denial, disconnect, and lack of responsibility,” Le Pen signaled that his time is limited. Despite their opposition, she attended the meeting at Matignon out of “republican courtesy” alongside Bardella, who hinted at ambitions for the Prime Minister’s office in the event of an RN victory. “If we secure a majority in the National Assembly, even in cohabitation, I will propose my candidacy as Prime Minister,” Bardella declared.
As the RN eyes potential early legislative elections, they reflect on past disappointments, notably in 2024 when they recoiled under the “republican front” during the second round despite leading initially. In anticipation, several candidates have been designated by a team scrutinizing their social media footprints to avoid issues similar to the ones that led to party embarrassments last year.
The RN is now better positioned, having branded 85% of its prospective candidates, Bardella reported, emphasizing preparedness. Marine Le Pen echoed this sentiment, assuring supporters they are ready to begin campaigning immediately should elections be called.
The strategy follows a previous electoral setback where problems with candidate selection drew heavy criticism, leading to changes in the party’s leadership structure. New hires, like Patrice Hubert, aim to strengthen their approach.
Tuesday’s meeting with Bayrou marks a key moment as the RN prepares for what could be a transformative period in French politics, with both Bardella and Le Pen poised to capitalize on anticipated changes in leadership.
