Jordan Bardella is attempting to give the Rassemblement National, which he leads, a significantly more moderate and government-ready image. However, this calm and modern public image should not obscure the fact that the party continues to pursue a deeply nationalist and, in some respects, radical agenda.
Bardella’s plan for a major referendum on immigration policy is particularly controversial. Behind this lies the concept of “préférence nationale” (“national priority”): French citizens are to be given preference in areas such as social benefits, jobs, or housing. At the same time, the RN aims to weaken core European legal principles by placing national law above EU law. Charrier warns that this could undermine the rule of law and democratic checks and balances.
Furthermore, Bardella relies heavily on communication and public image as a strategic tool. He comes across as younger, more modern, and less aggressive than earlier party figures like Jean-Marie Le Pen. As a result, the RN is now reaching voter groups from the political center who would previously have kept their distance from the party. However, the party’s core ideological principles have not fundamentally changed despite this new image.
Charrier also sees risks in foreign policy. He fears that a France led by Bardella could weaken Franco-German cooperation. The RN views European politics more in terms of national power interests and less as a shared integration project. This could exacerbate tensions within the EU and undermine Europe’s political stability.