France (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s far-right National Rally (RN), has renewed calls for unity with the Republicans to form “the broadest possible union” amid France’s deepening political crisis. Between October 5 and 9, Bardella intensified his outreach as the country faces governmental gridlock and calls for fresh elections.
Jordan Bardella’s call for unity with the Republicans
As reported by Claire Gatinois of Le Monde, Jordan Bardella publicly reiterated his call for a strategic alliance with the centre-right Republicans to stabilise France’s fractured political landscape. Speaking on October 6, Bardella emphasised the importance of forming a united front capable of confronting President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist government and ending years of political deadlock.
The context of France’s political stalemate
Between October 5 and 9, multiple sources, including Euronews and Deutsche Welle, highlighted the unprecedented crisis in French politics following the 2024 legislative elections that fragmented parliament and weakened President Macron’s grip on power. The inability to form a stable majority government has led to repeated cabinet resignations and political paralysis.
Outgoing Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s resignation on October 7 added to uncertainty, with Macron tasked to appoint a new head of government capable of winning parliamentary confidence. Macron’s failure to secure support from either the left-wing coalition or the centre-right has sharpened calls for a broader conservative alliance.
Bardella’s positioning as a pragmatic leader
Journalist Sophie Pedder from Euractiv noted Bardella’s efforts to soften his party’s far-right image, positioning himself as a credible leader willing to engage in coalition-building. Bardella stated, “Stability cannot be restored without a return to the polls and the broadest possible union,” referring to an alliance with Republicans as a pragmatic path forward.
The RN leader framed this approach as a responsibility to France, rather than mere political opportunism, arguing that division among the right benefits the establishment and hampers effective governance.
The Republicans’ cautious response
Sources close to the Republicans, as covered by Reuters and Yahoo News, revealed cautious but open feelings toward Bardella’s proposal. The party is wary of fully aligning with RN due to its far-right roots, but some Republicans acknowledge the political necessity of unity to counterbalance Macron’s fractured coalition and left-wing opposition.
Veteran Republicans leaders have urged careful navigation, balancing electoral gains with concerns over reputational risk.
Opposition from left-wing and centrist forces
During the week, the left-wing alliance France Unbowed (LFI), along with some Green and Socialist factions, firmly opposed Bardella’s overtures, accusing RN of undermining democratic values. Leaders Mathilde Panot and Manuel Bompard declined participation in government talks, calling for new elections instead.
Meanwhile, Macron’s former allies, including Gabriel Attal and Édouard Philippe, publicly criticised the president’s handling of the crisis, highlighting growing discontent even within Macron’s broader coalition.
Calls for new elections and political upheaval
Several political commentators and opposition leaders suggested that fresh elections represent the only viable solution to break the deadlock. Bardella himself supported the call for dissolution of the National Assembly, seeing the upcoming snap elections as an opportunity for the right-wing bloc to gain a majority.
Public demonstrations and strikes between early September and early October underscored societal frustration with the political impasse.
Impact on the French political landscape
Bardella’s repeated outreach signals a strategic shift in far-right politics, from isolation to coalition politics, increasing pressure on the Republicans to reconsider their electoral strategies. The crisis has also intensified Franco-German relations discussions, as political instability in France raises concerns in Berlin over European unity.
Summary of Bardella’s statements
Jordan Bardella outlined his vision clearly on October 6: “Our commitment is to secure stability and defend French identity. We propose the broadest union encompassing all right-wing forces to provide an alternative to the status quo.”
He characterised the current situation as untenable: “Political paralysis weakens France and risks the nation’s future. Only broad cooperation can restore order and faith in governance”.
