The National Rally (RN), formerly known as the National Front, is a far-right political party in France that significantly influenced the nation's political landscape since its founding by Jean-Marie Le Pen in 1972. Under the leadership of his daughter, Marine Le Pen, and her protege Jordan Bardella, the party has undergone substantial transformations.
Initially recognized for its strong anti-immigration stance, nationalist rhetoric, and Euroscepticism, the National Front often stirred controversy under Jean-Marie Le Pen's leadership. Despite this, the party steadily gained support among voters dissatisfied with mainstream politics.
In 2011, Marine Le Pen took over leadership with a focus on broadening the party's appeal and reshaping its image. Her rebranding of the party as the National Rally in 2018 marked a deliberate effort to appeal to a wider audience while maintaining steadfast nationalist and anti-immigration policies, despite softening some of the party's rhetoric.
As France prepares for a crucial second round of parliamentary elections on Sunday, the National Rally's performance will be closely watched. This marks the first time since World War II that the far-right has garnered significant popularity in the country. The outcome of these elections will determine if the RN can win most seats in the National Assembly, possibly changing French politics significantly and marking a historic move towards far-right leadership.
