Matthieu Valet, a former spokesperson for the independent police commissioners’ union (SICP), has announced his decision to join the list of Jordan Bardella, President of the National Rally (RN), for the upcoming European elections. In an interview on CNews and Europe 1, Valet expressed his pride in joining this popular movement and his desire to “rectify [the] country and restore order in France.” His decision to join Bardella’s list comes after the recent endorsements of Fabrice Leggeri, former head of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), and right-wing essayist Malika Sorel-Sutter.
With a background in law enforcement, Valet has been a familiar face in the media, having served as deputy chief of the anti-crime brigade (BAC) in Val-de-Marne and as a union leader. He emphasized his humble origins, being of Spanish descent and raised in a fifteen-story tower block in a housing estate in Lille, eventually becoming a police officer through hard work, effort, and merit. Despite rumors circulating since the end of 2023 that Bardella had approached him to join his list, Valet denied these rumors and stated that he had not been offered anything and had not made any requests.
According to reports from Le Parisien, Valet announced his decision to join the RN internally on April 8th, after taking leave from the police force a week earlier. Currently, the far-right party is polling at around 30% of voting intentions, while the list of the ruling party, led by Valérie Hayer, is below 20%. Valet’s decision to join the RN is seen as a boost for Bardella’s campaign as the party aims to secure a strong performance in the upcoming European elections.
The addition of Valet to the RN’s list reflects a growing trend of high-profile endorsements for Bardella’s campaign, with figures from various backgrounds aligning themselves with the party’s platform. The RN’s increased visibility and appeal have attracted individuals like Valet, who share the party’s vision of addressing the challenges facing France and advocating for policies to restore order and stability. As the election draws closer, Bardella and his team are focused on maintaining their momentum and reaching out to a broad base of voters to secure a strong showing at the polls.
This latest development highlights the evolving political landscape in France, with traditional parties facing competition from newer, more dynamic movements like the RN. By attracting figures like Valet to their ranks, the RN is solidifying its position as a key player in French politics and a viable alternative for voters disillusioned with the status quo. As the European elections approach, all eyes will be on Bardella and his list as they seek to translate these endorsements into electoral success and bring their vision for France to the forefront of the political debate.
