Residents of Saint-Denis Unimpressed by Jordan Bardella's Rise in National Rally
- Residents of Saint-Denis view Jordan Bardella as an uninvolved 'pretty face' in the National Rally.
- Jordan Bardella, the protege of Marine Le Pen, is seen as a fresh-faced darling of the French far right.
- Despite his meteoric rise, Bardella's reception in his hometown remains lukewarm.
In a bid to become France's youngest prime minister, Jordan Bardella of the hard-Right National Rally (RN) party is gearing up for the upcoming parliamentary election on July 7. Bardella, a 28-year-old protege of Marine Le Pen, has been vocal about his stance on curbing undocumented migration, cutting energy taxes to boost purchasing power, and exerting more authority over schools. The RN's manifesto also includes plans to expel foreigners who commit crimes, limit social spending to French citizens, and restrict dual nationals from certain jobs in defence and security. Born and raised in the banlieue of Seine-Saint-Denis, Bardella has emphasized his firsthand experience with the challenges brought by unchecked immigration in France. Despite facing criticism for his hardline views, Bardella remains confident in his party's readiness for the election. The RN's platform, seen as close to Russia, also includes continued support for Ukraine while opposing the provision of long-range weapons. The Left-wing alliance, holding 28 per cent according to a recent survey, poses a significant challenge to Bardella's ambitions. Stéphane Peu, a Communist Party member, is expected to secure a strong victory in the upcoming election, reflecting the diverse political landscape in France. The town of Saint-Denis, known for its history as the birthplace of French rap and the burial site of kings, stands as a symbol of the country's complex social fabric and immigration history. President Emmanuel Macron's decision to call for a snap election following a defeat at the European elections has set the stage for a highly contested political landscape in France. With the RN projected to secure a significant share of the vote, the outcome of the election could potentially lead to a parliamentary gridlock if no party wins a majority. As the campaign intensifies, Bardella and his party are focused on presenting a clear vision for the future of France, amidst a backdrop of shifting political dynamics and societal challenges.