Jordan Bardella, head of the Rassemblement National (RN) party and the frontrunner for the upcoming European elections, recently organized “états généraux de l’immigration” in Paris in collaboration with the defunct “RPR” party, which was revived by RN deputy Franck Allisio in 2022. This event was seen as a way for the RN to position itself as the natural successor to the former right-wing party, as well as to align itself with a similar event organized by the party of Jacques Chirac in 1990. Bardella claimed that the RN’s current program on security and immigration mirrors that of the RPR in the 1990s.
Despite the attempt to align itself with the legacy of the RPR, the “états généraux” organized by Bardella were criticized for lacking substance compared to the original events. The RN only planned two small roundtable discussions on the issues of immigration, focusing on identifying problems and proposing solutions. The organizers themselves admitted that no new additions to the party’s platform would result from the meeting, which led to doubts about the event’s effectiveness and impact.
The RN’s strategy of associating itself with the RPR and attempting to draw parallels between their programs on immigration and security was seen as a way to appeal to conservative voters and reinforce its image as a serious political force. By using historical narratives and symbolic gestures, the party sought to position itself as a credible alternative to mainstream parties and offer a coherent vision for the future. However, critics argued that the party’s focus on immigration oversimplified complex issues and lacked a comprehensive policy framework.
The choice of Marseille as the location for the event was significant, as the city has long been a stronghold for the far-right in France. By holding the “états généraux de l’immigration” in Marseille, Bardella and the RN aimed to tap into existing support for their nationalist and anti-immigration agenda, while also signaling their commitment to addressing the concerns of local residents. The party’s emphasis on security and immigration as key campaign themes reflected its efforts to capitalize on populist sentiments and appeal to voters’ fears and anxieties.
Overall, the meeting in Marseille symbolized the RN’s campaign strategy for the upcoming European elections, focusing on immigration and security issues to mobilize supporters and attract new voters. By aligning itself with the RPR and evoking historical events, the party sought to present itself as a legitimate political actor with a coherent vision for the future. However, the lack of substantive policy proposals and the focus on symbolic gestures raised questions about the party’s ability to address complex challenges and govern effectively.
