Jordan Bardella has advised that no elected officials from his nationalist party should participate in marches organized across the country following the death of Quentin Deranqu.
The recent death of Quentin Deranqu has significant repercussions in French politics, particularly for Jordan Bardella, the president of the nationalist party Rassemblement National (RN). In light of the public marches being organized in response to this tragedy, Bardella has declared a clear stance: no elected officials or party leaders should attend these events. This decision illustrates his attempt to navigate the complex political landscape surrounding the incident while maintaining the party’s image and focus on upcoming elections.
Bardella's activities in Pont-Audemer reflect an ongoing campaign for the municipal elections, scheduled for June 2024, where he supports Annabelle Arson, a prominent candidate from the RN. Given the historical voting patterns in this region, where the RN garnered 42% of the votes in the last European elections—significantly above the national average—its potential to secure strong local influence is evident. Bardella's presence, albeit overshadowed by the controversy of Quentin's death, highlights the balance he must maintain between party solidarity and the sensitivity of current events.
As Bardella navigates this challenging situation, the RN's caution reflects broader political strategies as France enters an electoral period. The party is keenly aware of public sentiment and the ramifications of participating in emotional public events, particularly those rallying for justice or societal reactions. Bardella's leadership will be critical as they attempt to consolidate power while also addressing public concerns surrounding incidents that evoke strong societal responses.
