Paris: France’s far-right National Rally (RN) has accelerated its preparations for a potential snap election as President Emmanuel Macron’s government wobbles under mounting fiscal pressures. The party, led by Marine Le Pen and her protégé Jordan Bardella, is determined to avoid the missteps of last year’s campaign and strengthen its claim to parliamentary dominance.
In 2024, RN surged to become the single largest party in the National Assembly but fell short of an outright majority. That setback was widely attributed to what party leaders themselves described as “casting errors” the selection of inexperienced or controversial candidates whose statements often backfired in the media. Determined not to repeat history, the party has reshaped its recruitment strategy, blending rigorous vetting with professional training.
According to insiders, more than 85 percent of RN’s candidates for the next election have already been identified. Each must undergo a stringent selection process, including interviews before internal panels, specialized media coaching, and comprehensive background checks by external agencies. The goal is to present a disciplined and scandal-free roster capable of reassuring undecided voters who remain wary of RN’s far-right legacy.
The party has also expanded its ideological training programs. Prospective candidates are offered online podcasts, workshops, and reading materials on topics ranging from populist governance to agricultural policy and civic responsibilities. This educational push, party officials say, is meant to equip newcomers with a deeper understanding of RN’s platform while sharpening their ability to debate policy in public forums.
For Marine Le Pen, the stakes are both personal and political. Barred from contesting the 2027 presidential race due to her contested embezzlement conviction, she has shifted her focus to securing legislative dominance. While her legal battle continues, she has cast the parliamentary arena as RN’s most viable path to lasting influence in French politics.
The strategy reflects a broader ambition: to transform the RN from a protest movement into a credible governing force. With Macron’s government on fragile ground, the far-right sees an opening to consolidate power. Whether its renewed discipline and candidate grooming can overcome lingering skepticism among French voters will likely define the next chapter in France’s turbulent political landscape.