Marine Le Pen's Political Strategy Resonates Across French Society

In the former mining town of Henin-Beaumont, France, far-right leader Marine Le Pen's party, the National Rally, achieved electoral success on Sunday with Le Pen winning over 64% of the votes for a parliamentary seat in the first-round voting. This victory means she won't have to compete in a second round on July 7. The National Rally and its allies secured a third of the nationwide vote, surpassing leftist coalition New Popular Front and President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party. Henin-Beaumont holds significance as the place where Le Pen initiated efforts to transform her father's party into a more mainstream political force, a strategy she later expanded nationally after assuming party leadership in 2012. The town's history includes the conviction of its former Socialist mayor, Gérard Dalongeville, for embezzlement of public funds in 2013, contributing to a sentiment among voters that the political class is disconnected from their concerns such as crime, purchasing power, and immigration. Residents like Magali Quere, who runs a second-hand furniture shop, find Le Pen's approach more moderate compared to her father's extreme views, making the National Rally less intimidating. Mayor Briois, reelected in 2020 with strong support, has engaged locals in reporting misconduct or vandalism to address community issues effectively, leading to a perceived improvement in the town's condition. The National Rally's success in Henin-Beaumont reflects a broader trend of dissatisfaction with traditional political parties and a desire for change among voters. Le Pen's leadership has focused on toning down rhetoric and embracing a more democratic approach, resonating with supporters seeking a shift in the political landscape. The rise of figures like Jordan Bardella, Le Pen's young protégé and party president with a significant following on social media platform TikTok, signals a generational shift within the National Rally, appealing to a diverse audience and potentially shaping the party's future direction.