Jordan Bardella, the president of the National Rally (RN), emphasized the need for an “absolute majority” in the French National Assembly in order to govern effectively. He stated that no one can believe that the daily lives of the French people can be changed with only a relative majority. Bardella highlighted the importance of the RN obtaining a majority in order to implement their proposed measures, including the repeal of the retirement reform starting in the fall. This statement comes amidst speculation that Bardella may become the Prime Minister if the RN is successful in the upcoming legislative elections.
In terms of specific policies, Bardella outlined plans to decrease the value-added tax (VAT) on energy and fuel from 20% to 5.5%. He aims to implement this change through a supplementary budget law during an extraordinary parliamentary session. Additionally, Bardella proposes the elimination of certain tax breaks, specifically targeting those for shipowners, and reducing France’s contribution to the European Union budget by 2 billion euros. He also suggests reintroducing mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses and attacks on law enforcement officials, as well as suspending family allowances for parents of repeat juvenile offenders.
Regarding social policies, Bardella advocates for the elimination of birthright citizenship and replacing the State Medical Aid with an emergency fund that only covers vital emergencies. These measures are part of the RN’s broader platform, which includes a hardline stance on immigration and social welfare. Despite some ambiguity from other RN members on certain policy issues, Bardella remains focused on securing an absolute majority in the National Assembly in order to pursue these objectives effectively.
While the RN’s proposals may appeal to their base and reflect their populist stance, they have also faced criticism for their potential impact on the economy and social cohesion. The party’s emphasis on reducing taxes and cutting back on social benefits could polarize public opinion and deepen existing divisions within French society. As Bardella positions himself as a potential leader in a future RN government, the debate over the party’s policies and their feasibility will only intensify in the run-up to the legislative elections.
Overall, Bardella’s call for an absolute majority for the RN in the French National Assembly underscores the party’s ambition to govern and implement their agenda. The specific policy measures outlined by Bardella, such as repealing the retirement reform, reducing the VAT on energy, and toughening criminal justice measures, reflect the RN’s populist and nationalist orientation. However, the potential consequences of these policies on the French economy and society remain subject to debate and scrutiny. As the legislative elections approach, the RN’s platform and Bardella’s leadership will continue to be scrutinized by the public and political observers.
