The future of France’s National Rally (RN) appears bright on the surface, boosted by the rising profile of party president Jordan Bardella, his public image, the success of his latest books, and his relationship with Princess Maria Carolina of Bourbon-Two Sicilies. But beneath that polished image, tensions are emerging over the party’s direction, especially on pensions, where Bardella’s recent remarks have created unease inside the movement.
On May 12, Bardella gave an interview to the German press and was asked whether he supported a higher retirement age. He replied that the question was still being studied. Although cautious in tone, the answer was seen as a challenge to Marine Le Pen’s established line, which defends a legal retirement age of 62, or 60 for long careers. On May 28, speaking on LCI, Bardella reinforced the impression of distance from Le Pen’s position. He argued that the current pension system is not economically sustainable and socially fair, and said that the retirement age “means nothing,” stressing instead the number of years worked and contributed. Within the RN, many interpreted this as a signal that Bardella may be preparing a shift away from Le Pen’s program.
The comments quickly sparked concern among party insiders, who viewed the public divergence as politically risky. Some officials questioned why Bardella had raised the issue at all, while others rejected the idea that it was simply a communication mistake. Even critics who do not support him acknowledge his media talent, but they say he remains isolated from many lawmakers and do not know what he truly thinks. The episode has deepened the perception that Bardella is carving out his own path, even if that unsettles Le Pen’s camp.
The article also suggests that the RN’s presidential strategy is still far from finalized. At a May seminar, party discussions focused mainly on technical preparations rather than major ideological decisions. The agenda covered local elections, polling, campaign financing, event planning, and venue selection. A second seminar is scheduled for June 12, but insiders say the agenda has not yet been shared.
For now, the party is focused on July 7, when Marine Le Pen will learn the outcome of her appeal in the European parliamentary assistants case. If her five-year ban from holding office is upheld, she would be barred from running again in the next presidential race. That uncertainty hangs over the party’s plans.
Despite favorable polls placing the RN at around 34% in the first round, the leadership says it is staying cautious and continuing grassroots campaigning. Internal voices point to persistent weaknesses, especially among female voters and in parts of western France where the party remains poorly established. In regions such as Brittany, Pays de la Loire, and Lower Normandy, party organization is said to be weak and underdeveloped. Some members warn that strong results in industrial strongholds are not enough if the party cannot expand westward.
