Jordan Bardella, the 28-year-old president of the National Rally party in France, is making waves in the country’s political landscape. Born into a family of Italian immigrants, Bardella dropped out of university to pursue a career in politics. The National Rally was previously known as the far-right National Front party but has since rebranded itself as more of a populist party under the leadership of Marine Le Pen. The party’s recent success in the European Union elections has positioned Bardella as a potential candidate for the French prime minister.
The shift towards right-wing populism in France was evident in the EU elections, with the National Rally capturing 31.5% of the votes, making it the most popular political block in the country. President Emmanuel Macron called a snap parliamentary election in response to this surge in support for the National Rally. However, it remains to be seen whether Bardella and his party can secure a majority in the French parliament, given the ideological differences between the president and the prime minister.
One of the key factors contributing to the National Rally’s popularity is the high youth unemployment rate in France, particularly among those aged 15 to 24. This demographic group faces challenges in securing employment due to a lack of education and skills, which are increasingly necessary in the modern job market. The party’s emphasis on government programs and social safety nets appeals to voters who are struggling to find opportunities in a competitive economy.
While Bardella and the National Rally may have resonated with voters on certain issues, they face significant hurdles in implementing their policy agenda. Even if they were to secure a majority in parliament, they would encounter opposition from President Macron, who has been criticized for leaning towards the left. Additionally, France’s fiscal constraints as an EU member state could limit the new government’s ability to enact new spending programs, potentially leading to tensions between Macron and Bardella.
The financial implications of a National Rally-led government in France are also a cause for concern. The country’s debt-to-GDP ratio is high, exceeding EU limits, and its deficit has also risen beyond the permissible threshold. This places constraints on the government’s ability to implement expansive fiscal policies and may lead to challenges in managing the country’s finances effectively. Investors have already shown apprehension, with the Paris CAC index experiencing a drop following Macron’s decision to call a snap election.
The possibility of France leaving the EU is also being raised as a potential risk factor, although it remains a low-probability scenario. The constitutional implications of a National Rally government, coupled with France’s economic challenges and Macron’s opposition, suggest a period of uncertainty and experimentation in French politics. As Bardella and his party navigate these obstacles, they will need to find a balance between their populist promises and the practical realities of governance in a complex political landscape.
