Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen, key figures of France’s far-right Rassemblement National (RN), emerged from a meeting at Matignon with François Bayrou on Tuesday with grim faces, declaring that “the miracle did not happen.” Bardella emphasized that the discussion would not alter RN’s stance and noted the “doors weren’t very open.”
The meeting took place amid tensions arising from the Prime Minister’s decision to call a confidence vote set for September 8 at the National Assembly. The RN has been vocal about their desire for a parliamentary dissolution, a sentiment Marine Le Pen reiterated outside the meeting, pushing for a “rapid dissolution” and criticizing President Emmanuel Macron’s policies as “profoundly toxic.”
Despite the political discord, Le Pen remains focused on potential legislative elections. “Whether it happens today or in three months, our duty is to be ready,” she told party officials during a campaign strategy meeting in Paris.
The RN leaders have been critical of Bayrou, whom they consider doomed to fail, describing him as guilty of “denial, disconnection, and irresponsibility.” Bardella, seizing on the political uncertainty, has already set his sights on the Prime Minister’s position, stating he would propose his candidacy if the RN wins a majority, even in a cohabitation scenario.
Meanwhile, the party has been working behind the scenes to prepare for potential snap elections, distributing candidate endorsements and attempting to avoid past controversies. The RN faced significant challenges in 2024, winning the first round but losing in the second due to the “republican front.”
To avoid repeating past mistakes, the party has meticulously vetted candidates, seeking to distance itself from previous controversies over candidates’ racist and anti-Semitic remarks. The Rassemblement National claims to have 85% of candidates ready, according to Bardella, putting them in the “starting blocks” for any upcoming elections.
As the party continues to gear up, Bardella and Le Pen remain focused on the future, looking to capitalize on potential political shifts in the wake of the confidence vote.
