On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, Jordan Bardella, president of the National Rally (RN), was not in Paris. In fact, he was seated on a high stool at the House of Hungary in Brussels, Belgium, signing copies of his newly published book. The work, titled Ce que je cherche, is a brief autobiography of a man who had just turned 29. It sold over 230,000 copies, marking a notable success. Despite being far from the political spotlight in France, Bardella’s actions were part of a broader narrative unfolding within the RN leadership. The day before, Marine Le Pen had made a decision that would shape the future of her party. She had chosen Bardella as her potential prime minister, envisioning him as the successor to her in the role of head of government. However, this vision was soon challenged by legal complications. Le Pen, who had already been barred from running in the presidential election due to judicial decisions, found herself facing further obstacles. These developments forced the RN to consider contingency plans, with Bardella stepping into a more prominent public role than anticipated. At the time, Bardella was in Brussels, engaged in cultural activities rather than political ones. His presence at the House of Hungary, a building representing Hungarian heritage in Brussels, contrasted sharply with the political turmoil back home. While outside protesters voiced their opposition to the RN, Bardella remained focused on promoting his literary work. This moment highlighted the tension between personal ambition and political necessity, as the party sought to maintain its momentum despite internal challenges. Meanwhile, other figures within the political landscape were preparing for their own strategic moves. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the leader of the Left, continued to exert pressure on his former allies, even as he approached his 75th birthday. His upcoming speech at the summer universities of his movement underscored his ongoing influence in left-wing politics. Similarly, Gérald Darmanin, the Minister of Interior, was planning to meet with close associates ahead of the 2027 presidential campaign, aiming to strengthen his position in the race. Marine Le Pen, meanwhile, remained vocal on economic issues, criticizing the record-high interest rates in France. On social media, she lamented the financial burden placed on citizens, linking the situation to the country's growing debt. Her comments reflected both frustration and determination, as she sought to rally support for her political agenda amid mounting difficulties. The RN, under pressure from both legal constraints and shifting political dynamics, relied heavily on figures like Bardella to maintain visibility and continuity. His literary success and public appearances served as a distraction from the party’s internal struggles while also reinforcing its ideological stance. As the political calendar moved forward, the question of how the RN would navigate these challenges, both legal and strategic, remained central to its future trajectory. In the days following the events of November 13, the focus shifted toward the 2027 presidential election. With Le Pen unable to run, the RN needed a clear path forward, one that could ensure stability and public engagement. Bardella’s rising profile suggested that he might play a key role in shaping the party’s direction, whether through political leadership or symbolic representation. The coming months would test the resilience of the RN and its ability to adapt to the evolving political landscape.
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