The moderate French right is resisting calls for unity from Jordan Bardella, co-leader of the National Rally, ahead of the second round of local elections on March 22.
The moderate right in France has been hesitant to unify with far-right leaders like Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, particularly in the wake of the National Rally's recent electoral successes in major cities such as Nice and Toulon. This situation presents a significant challenge for the Gaullist party, Les Républicains, as they face an existential dilemma just a year before the presidential elections in 2027. Bardella's appeal for a coalition among 'true right-wing lists' contrasts sharply with the response from the leader of Les Républicains, Bruno Retailleau, who has firmly directed his supporters to consolidate efforts to oppose both the left and the National Rally.
