Jordan Bardella, the president of the National Rally (RN), the largest group in the National Assembly, stated on RTL that if Michel Barnier continues the same policies as Emmanuel Macron for the past eight years, then the current government will fall. He criticized the government for recycling figures like Gérald Darmanin, Eric Dupond-Moretti, and other Macron supporters, and warned that the censorship would not only be aimed at the Prime Minister but at the entire government. Bardella expressed skepticism about the government’s longevity, stating that the RN will judge based on their actions.
Regarding the reinforcement of sentences, Bardella confirmed that he had proposed the restoration of minimum sentences, as announced by Sébastien Chenu, the delegate president of the RN group, on Franceinfo. As several RN executives face trial in the case of fictitious European parliamentary assistants, Bardella asserted that the party will prove its good faith and demonstrate their integrity on the matter. Despite the upcoming legal proceedings, Bardella emphasized that the RN will continue its political activities with Marine Le Pen approaching the situation with calmness.
In response to an article in Libération on September 9, alleging that Bardella was involved in creating false documents about his work as a European parliamentary assistant, Bardella denied any wrongdoing. He clarified that he had not provided any documents to judicial or administrative authorities and stated that he was not part of the ongoing legal procedures mentioned in the article. Bardella also mentioned that he had filed a defamation lawsuit against Libération for publishing false accusations against him.
Bardella’s statements reflect the RN’s stance on current political issues, including potential government instability, criminal justice reforms, and legal challenges faced by party members. Bardella’s criticism of the government’s reliance on former Macron supporters indicates a readiness to challenge the status quo and push for alternative policies. The RN’s emphasis on proving their integrity in the face of legal scrutiny demonstrates a commitment to transparency and accountability within the party.
Overall, Bardella’s remarks highlight the RN’s strategy to capitalize on the weaknesses of the current government while positioning themselves as a viable alternative. By raising concerns about the continuity of Macron’s policies and advocating for stricter sentencing measures, Bardella aims to appeal to voters dissatisfied with the current administration. The party’s efforts to address legal challenges head-on and maintain their political activities despite ongoing legal proceedings showcase a strong determination to continue their political agenda. As the RN navigates through various obstacles, Bardella’s leadership and firm stance on key issues shape the party’s direction and future prospects in the French political landscape.
