The young political heir of Le Pen at a crossroads in French politics

The young political heir of Le Pen faces a decisive moment. Jordan Bardella, president of the National Rally, is at the center of French political attention amid the call for early legislative elections by President Emmanuel Macron, following his party's overwhelming defeat in the European Parliament elections. Bardella, at 28 years old, is emerging as a potential candidate to be the next Prime Minister if his party manages to secure a legislative majority in the upcoming elections. Despite not carrying the Le Pen family name, Bardella has played a key role in the rise of the National Rally, helping to present a more dominant image and distancing it from the controversial antisemitic views of its founder, Jean-Marie Le Pen. However, experts like Marta Lorimer warn that, despite the apparent moderation in the narrative, Bardella maintains the same radical ideas that have characterized the party for years. The challenge for Le Pen and Bardella will be to demonstrate that the economic and social discontent that led them to success in the European elections will also translate into support at the national level. With significant gains in 2022, becoming the main opposition in the National Assembly, the National Rally aims to consolidate its position in the French political landscape. The strategy of presenting Bardella as a fresher and more attractive face to attract conservative sectors and youth has been supported by his strong presence on social media, such as TikTok, where he has garnered a considerable number of followers. However, his lack of experience and some awkward moments in public debates have raised doubts about his ability to lead the country. Although Bardella has tried to address relevant issues for young people, such as climate change and artificial intelligence, his stance on immigration has sparked criticism by portraying it as a threat to French culture, in line with nationalist theories. His preference for protectionist policies and opposition to European free trade agreements position him within a very defined ideological spectrum. The chances of Bardella becoming Prime Minister seem limited, given the current political landscape in France. If the National Rally seeks to govern, it is likely that they will have to form alliances with other parties, including conservative sectors that still have reservations due to the party's history of antisemitism and racism. Political uncertainty and polarization in France pose significant challenges for Bardella and his party on their path to power.