National Rally Gains Momentum in Gironde Department Ahead of French Municipal Elections
The Rassemblement National (RN), France’s far-right political party, is demonstrating significant growth in the Gironde department, poised to make substantial gains in the upcoming municipal elections. A surge in candidate lists and a shift in public perception are fueling this momentum, signaling a potential turning point for the party’s influence in the region.
Expanding Candidate Presence Across the Region
The RN is fielding a dramatically increased number of candidate lists compared to the 2020 municipal elections. Currently, 15 RN-backed lists are competing across the Bordeaux metropolitan area, a significant increase from the six lists presented in 2020. This expansion extends beyond the city itself, with eight lists in the Bassin d’Arcachon area – a doubling of their previous presence. In the Blayais region, the party anticipates fielding 17 lists. Further south in Gironde, the RN is contesting seats in La Réole and Langon, supported by former legislative candidates, with additional lists running in Cabanac-et-Villagrains, and Cadillac.
Strongholds and Emerging Areas of Support
The RN’s growth isn’t limited to a single area. In the Médoc region, the party has expanded from a single list in 2020 to multiple candidates in Lesparre, Eysines, and Pauillac, where they are supporting an “open” list. Additional support is being offered to candidates in Castelnau-de-Médoc, Saint-Laurent-Médoc, Saint-Sauveur, Cissac-Médoc, and Queyrac, with a candidate close to the RN too campaigning in Vertheuil. A former RN departmental counselor, who previously aligned with the Zemmourist movement, is also running in Bégadan.
Grégoire de Fournas, a former RN deputy, highlights a key factor in this expansion: a broadened network of activists and a diminishing stigma associated with the party. He points to his own experience, having transitioned from departmental counselor to deputy and then municipal councilor, as evidence of the party’s growing local roots.
Strategic Ambitions and Potential for Opposition Roles
Jimmy Bourlieux, the RN’s departmental delegate for Gironde, anticipates a substantial increase in the number of RN councilors across the department. Currently, the party holds seats in approximately fifteen municipal councils. Bourlieux believes this number could increase tenfold. The RN is prepared to play a significant role in opposition within several municipal councils, a scenario that would represent a first for the party in the region.
Conditions for Potential Alliances
The RN is taking a firm stance on potential second-round alliances. Bourlieux stated that the party will not withdraw candidates if they qualify for the second round. However, they are open to mergers with other parties, provided the resulting program is compatible and RN members are included on the combined list.
Looking Ahead: A Shift in the Political Landscape
The RN’s increased presence and strategic positioning suggest a significant shift in the political landscape of the Gironde department. The party’s ability to capitalize on this momentum will be crucial in the upcoming municipal elections and beyond. The party aims to coordinate and support its candidates to further establish its presence in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Rassemblement National?
A: The Rassemblement National (RN) is a far-right political party in France.
Q: Where is the Gironde department located?
A: The Gironde department is located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France.
Q: What are the municipal elections?
A: Municipal elections are elections to choose the members of municipal councils, who are responsible for governing cities and towns.
Q: What is the RN’s goal in the Gironde department?
A: The RN aims to increase its representation in municipal councils and establish a stronger political presence in the region.