Jordan Bardella, the president of the Rassemblement National (RN), has been making headlines recently with significant public appearances aimed at solidifying his party's influence and supporting upcoming candidates. His activities over the last few days included attending celebratory events and engaging directly with followers, all amid growing public scrutiny and organized protests.
On the evening of January 24, Bardella arrived at La Valette-du-Var for the New Year's wishes of Deputy Laure Lavalette, where he lit up the atmosphere. Speaking to over 1,000 supporters, he passionately declared, "Toulon has need of renewal, Toulon has need of a municipal team listening to its residents, combative, ambitious, honest, patriotic, French..." This statement was met with fervent applause, showcasing his ability to mobilize and inspire the party base.
Funnily enough, Bardella quipped, "Imagine, I announce my candidacy for the municipal elections of Toulon..." causing laughter around the hall. Many of his supporters cheered for Lavalette, clearly eager for her potential candidacy to succeed Hubert Falco as mayor. The enthusiasm was palpable, with shouts of "Laure, Laure!" echoing throughout the gathering.
While Bardella's presence was primarily to support Lavalette's burgeoning political ambitions, it was also a strategic maneuver to showcase the RN's successes at the local level, particularly against the backdrop of national discontent with the current administration. He made pointed criticisms of Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne and referenced the inefficacy of the Macron government, insisting on the RN's readiness for future legislative battles.
Just one day later, on January 25, Bardella faced opposition at his book-signing event held at the space Robert Dion in Morières-lès-Avignon. Arriving to promote his autobiography, Ce que je cherche, he was met not just by eager supporters but also by organized demonstrations from left-wing groups. These groups, including several local organizations such as No Pasaran, Génération.s, and the Socialist Party, unified to voice their opposition to the RN's ideology.
The protests were planned concurrently, beginning at 1 p.m. against Bardella's signing event. Many demonstrators carried signs denouncing extreme-right ideologies and chanting slogans emphasizing equality and acceptance. “We must never give in to hate and racism,” protested one speaker—articulations reflecting the anger many feel about the RN's rising influence.
Despite the presence of these counter-protests, Bardella proceeded with his signing, aiming to connect personally with constituents and supporters. His event unfolded amid tensions, emphasizing the political divide strongly present within French society. Just outside where Bardella was, activists reiterated their commitment to opposing what they termed extremist ideas. One protest organizer stated, “These ideas of the extreme right must be denounced!”
Inside the signing, Bardella’s supporters remained enthusiastic, undeterred by the opposition outside. They saw his presence as symbolic of hope and renewal for their municipality. Bardella took this opportunity to underline the RN's commitment to building strong local governance based on what he described as "the practical needs of the people."
This series of engagements not only highlighted Bardella's rising star within the RN but also foreshadowed the intensifying political battle leading up to the 2026 municipal elections. Political analysts are watching closely to see if this demonstrates the RN's potential to gain substantial victories, leveraging local support to pivot toward larger national gains.
While Bardella expressed confidence about the RN's prospects, Lavalette also commented on her ambitions, mentioning, “This is about the future of our municipality,” signaling her aspirations to transform local governance and potentially garnering political capital off Bardella’s influence.
The juxtaposition of Bardella's carnival-like events with passionate protests highlights the stark divisions shaping France's political arena. These recent days serve as both a celebration for RN supporters and a rallying cry against perceived divisive politics. With the atmosphere charged with both hope and disdain, 2026 promises to be pivotal.