Following the relative failure of the Rassemblement National (RN) in the legislative elections, Marine Le Pen instructed her troops not to mention any “defeat” and to keep their disappointment to themselves. After two months filled with xenophobic, racist, antisemitic, and incompetent candidates during the campaign, the reorganization of the former Front National (FN) is now turning into a purge. The party has initiated a review of its most compromised representatives through its conflicts commission, with around thirty militants being summoned to the RN headquarters for potential sanctions. Among them are prominent figures like Daniel Grenon, who made controversial statements about Maghrebians, and Sophie Dumont, whose past antisemitic and transphobic tweets have resurfaced.
The decision to impose sanctions (warnings, suspensions, exclusions) will be made by RN president Jordan Bardella, with the tradition being to follow the conflicts commission’s recommendations. Some candidates labeled as “black sheep” by Bardella have already been discreetly removed before receiving any verdict. The party’s obsession with a potential new dissolution in 2025 has pushed them to not only punish the offenders, but also to restructure their organization, aiming to have representatives more aligned with the image of a serious government party. The centralized and authoritarian structure of the party, enforced since Jean-Marie Le Pen to prevent the emergence of local baronies or diverging ideological lines, is seen as responsible for the shortcomings in the recent election campaign.
Marine Le Pen, Member of Parliament for Pas-de-Calais, has emphasized the need for a “decentralization process” within the RN, acknowledging that the current top-down approach is no longer viable in the face of the party’s electoral challenges. The fear of another potential dissolution in 2025 has prompted the party to not only penalize those who have tarnished its image, but also to rethink its internal functioning. Several members, like Marie-Christine Parolin in Aveyron and Laurent Gnaedig in Grand Est, have already been removed from their positions for making controversial statements that went against the party’s values. The RN is now in a phase of introspection and reform, aiming to present a more united and disciplined front to the electorate and regain credibility.
The RN’s focus on weeding out problematic candidates and restructuring its organization reflects a broader shift in the party’s approach as it attempts to position itself as a viable and responsible governing party. Marine Le Pen, who has been at the helm of the RN for years, is leading this transformation, acknowledging the need to adapt to the changing political landscape and electoral challenges. The party’s efforts to address its internal issues and present a more cohesive front to the public indicate a desire to shed its extremist image and appeal to a broader base of voters. As the RN navigates this period of change and self-reflection, its success in rebranding itself and presenting a more moderate image to the public will determine its future electoral prospects and political relevance.
In conclusion, the RN’s post-election reorganization and purging process reflect the party’s efforts to address internal issues and present a more united and disciplined image to the public. The focus on removing compromised candidates and restructuring the party’s organization signals a broader shift in approach, as the RN aims to position itself as a serious and responsible governing party. Marine Le Pen’s leadership in this transformation, along with the party’s acknowledgment of the need to adapt to changing political dynamics, demonstrates a commitment to regaining credibility and broadening its appeal. As the RN navigates this period of change and introspection, its ability to rebrand itself and appeal to a wider audience will be crucial in determining its future electoral success and political relevance.
