Bardella advocates for the exclusion of certain dual citizens from the public service sector.
Election Fever in France: Bardella's Radical Agenda
Ahead of France's upcoming elections, the right-wing populist, Bardella, delineates his plans for his party, Rassemblement National (RN). If his party secures a victory, he intends to enforce restrictions on French citizens holding dual nationality for strategic state positions. "We'll prioritize French citizens in crucial government positions", Bardella declared during his election manifesto unveiling in Paris, stating it's necessary to "shield ourselves against foreign influence machinations".
Bardella expresses his ambition to be the Prime Minister post the elections rescheduled for June 30 and July 7 but conditional to his party having an absolute majority in the National Assembly. "I'm not eyeing this post for personal glory", he said: "I seek power to exercise it." If his faction takes a supermajority, he intends to establish a "national unity government," incorporating representatives from civil society as well. "We're all set", Bardella hinted, eyeing a potential takeover after the elections.
He dismisses the reservations expressed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz regarding a right-wing populist victory in France, categorizing it as "political apprehensions of a political adversary with whom we don't see eye to eye". Should he become the head of government, he intends to initiate talks with the German Chancellor, the 28-year-old stated.
He maintains his regard for the Franco-German partnership but affirms a more assertive approach for France within the EU. He intends to negotiate a reduced French contribution to the EU budget. Bardella emphasizes continued support for Ukraine but draws the "red line" at the arming of Ukraine with long-range missiles and the deployment of French ground troops in Ukraine. "I view Russia as a multifaceted threat", he said, steering clear of his party's previous election agenda, which had referred to Russia as an ally.
Bardella Endorses Extreme Right-Wing Theories
In domestic policy, Bardella softens or defers several of his initial electoral promises, such as the repeal of the pension reform, attributing it to France's dormant economy, which he described as "nearing insolvency". "Macron's seven-year reign has crippled the nation", he stated. In case of a win, he plans to reduce the value-added tax on electricity and fuel and lobby for an exemption in Brussels for this.
The RN leader confirms his plans to restrict immigration - for instance, by raising family reunification quotas and systematic deportations of undocumented immigrants. In discussing the program of the left-wing coalition, Bardella hints at the far-right conspiracy theory of a population exchange: The policy of the New Popular Front would inevitably lead "to a shift in French identity on its own soil at an unprecedented scale", Bardella stated.
In education policy, Bardella pledges a "Big Bang of authority," including measures such as a nationwide cellphone ban in school up until the Abitur and the mandated introduction of school uniforms from primary school level. He envisions replacing the current uniform single-tier system with a multi-tier system modeled after Germany's.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced advanced parliamentary elections for June 30 and July 7 after his party's defeat in the European elections. In the polls, Bardella's party leads with 35%, followed closely by the left-green New People's Front alliance with nearly 30%. Macron's coalition is lagging behind at around 20%.
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Following Bardella's radical agenda, he expressed his desire to exclude certain dual citizens from strategic state positions if his right-wing populist party, Rassemblement National (RN), wins the elections in France. Despite German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's reservations, Bardella plans to initiate talks with him if he becomes the head of government.
Before the rescheduled elections on June 30 and July 7, Bardella voiced his intentions to establish a "national unity government" after securing an absolute majority in the National Assembly, potentially incorporating representatives from civil society. On a visit to Paris, Olaf Scholz attended Bardella's election manifesto unveiling.
