The President of the National Grouping of the Extreme Right warns legislators

The newly elected lawmakers of the National Rally were welcomed by their president, Jordan Bardella, with commendations and cautions. Mr. Bardella expressed his pride in the lawmakers, acknowledging them as a source of pride for millions of French people. However, he also emphasized the critical role they must now fulfill, highlighting the necessity to uphold the credibility of the party's project and to maintain impeccable conduct in their interactions with the public and the media.

The remarks made by Mr. Bardella alluded to the controversies that plagued the National Rally's campaign during France's snap parliamentary elections. Instances of racist comments, unclear articulation of positions, as well as past antisemitic statements and pro-Kremlin positions featured in media coverage, marred the party's electoral efforts. The campaign suffered a setback when a candidate was withdrawn from the race due to a widely circulated photo depicting her wearing a Nazi cap on social media.

Consequences and Future Prospects

Missteps during the campaign were cited by several National Rally leaders and analysts as contributing factors to the party's unexpected third-place finish, despite initial predictions of a victory. The disappointing election outcome has positioned the National Rally at a critical juncture as it redirects its focus towards the forthcoming presidential elections in 2027.