For decades, the National Rally was the pariah of French politics — deemed so dangerous that politicians from other parties refused to engage with its members.
Mr. Macron soon called a surprise snap election for the powerful National Assembly, and polls suggest that the National Rally might be poised to win those, too.
Jordan Bardella, the party’s president, is jockeying to become the country’s next prime minister — something that just 10 years ago would have been unthinkable.
He is scheduled to face off against two adversaries, including Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, in a much-anticipated debate on Tuesday night.
If his party manages a big win in the election, Mr. Bardella could become prime minister, name cabinet members and derail much of Mr. Macron’s domestic agenda.
Persons:
—, Emmanuel Macron’s, Macron, Jordan Bardella, Gabriel Attal, Bardella
Organizations:
National, National Assembly
Locations:
France