Jordan Bardella: immigrants’ son to French far-right poster boy
- Jordan Bardella attended the Saint-Denis meetings in August 2023, where he was recognized as the leader of the Rassemblement National party.
- He previously passed his high school diploma at the same location a decade ago.
- Bardella seeks to reshape the party's image and gain mainstream acceptance while maintaining a popularity surge among voters.
In August 2023, Jordan Bardella, the young president of the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, was invited to the Saint-Denis meetings by President Emmanuel Macron. The event, held in a poor Paris suburb where Bardella spent part of his youth, marked a significant moment for him as he was recognized as the party's legitimate leader, succeeding Marine Le Pen. This acknowledgment came a decade after Bardella passed his high school baccalauréat in the same location. Bardella's rise is notable as he attempts to reshape the image of the RN, known for its anti-immigration stance, striving to make it more acceptable to mainstream political discourse in France. His background as the son of immigrants brings an intriguing dynamic to his leadership, challenging stereotypes and perceptions about the party's ideology and its constituency. Bardella's popularity has surged, with polls indicating he is among the most favored politicians in France, highlighting the shifting sentiments among voters regarding immigration and national identity. Despite the controversies surrounding the party, Bardella's charm and political savvy are proving to be effective tools in garnering support, especially from younger demographics who view him as a charismatic figure in far-right politics.