Right-wing populist advocate Bardella proposes job restrictions for individuals holding multiple citizenships.
Ahead of France's parliamentary elections, the right-wing populist, Bardella, outlines his party's agenda. If his party RN secures a win, he plans to restrict certain professions for French citizens with dual nationality. "Reserved jobs within the government will be for French citizens," Bardella asserted during the unveiling of his election manifesto in Paris, claiming it's to "shield ourselves against foreign intrusion attempts." Bardella has announced his intention to vie for the Prime Minister position after the rescheduled election on June 30 and July 7, but only if he has an overwhelming majority in the National Assembly. "I don't seek the office for personal glory," he stated: "I desire the power to wield it." In case of an absolute majority, he aims to establish a "unified government," with representation from civil society. "We're ready," declared Bardella, hinting at potential power grab post-election. Bardella dismissed German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's caution against a right-wing populist ascension in France as "political objections from a rival with whom we disagree." If appointed as head of government, he plans to "engage in dialogue" with the German Chancellor, according to the 28-year-old.
He expressed "respect" for the Franco-German alliance but suggested a more autonomous France within the EU. He intends to negotiate a reduced French contribution to the EU budget. On Ukraine, Bardella advocates for continued support but draws "red lines" at the supply of long-range rockets and French ground troops to Ukraine. "I view Russia as a multidimensional menace," said Bardella, distancing himself from his party's previous pro-Russia stance. In domestic policy, Bardella has either diluted or delayed several earlier election commitments, such as the withdrawal of the pension reform.
Bardella is inclined towards right-wing extremist conspiracy theories, mainly citing the dire economic condition of France. Seven years of Macron have debilitated the nation, he claimed. In case of a victory, he plans to lower the value-added tax on electricity and fuel, aiming for exceptions in Brussels for this. He intends to impede immigration - for example, by raising family reunion thresholds and systematic deportations of undocumented migrants. In his critique of the program of the left-green electoral alliance, Bardella echoed the right-wing extremist theory of a population exchange: The policy of the New Popular Front would lead "to the French identity being pushed back in an unprecedented manner on its own soil," he asserted.
Regarding education policy, Bardella promised a "Big Bang of authority," encompassing measures such as an absolute ban on mobile phones in school up to graduation and the nationwide introduction of school uniforms from elementary school onwards. He proposes replacing the current uniform intermediate level with a multi-tier school system modelled on Germany's. French President Emmanuel Macron called for advanced parliamentary elections on June 30 and July 7 amid his party's defeat in the European elections. Polls indicate Bardella's party leads with 35 percent, with the left-green New People's Front trailing closely at nearly 30 percent. Macron's government coalition lags behind with approximately 20 percent.
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Following his proposal for employment restrictions, Bardella, the right-wing populist leader of RN in France, plans to discuss his party's agenda during Paris's upcoming parliamentary elections. If elected, Bardella, who aims for the Prime Minister position, plans to implement job restrictions for French citizens with multiple nationalities, as stated by him during the presentation of his election manifesto.
Bardella's party RN has gained significant support, with polls indicating a 35% lead in the upcoming French parliamentary elections. Despite this, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has voiced political objections against a right-wing populist ascension in France, which Bardella dismissed as coming from a rival with whom he disagrees.
