The Brussels signing, part of a glitzy promotional tour, offered a stage for Bardella to present himself as a self-made figure who rose from challenging beginnings in an impoverished Parisian suburb. In his memoir, Ce que je cherche (What I Am Looking For), the 29-year-old describes his journey from a rough neighbourhood marked by violence and drug trafficking to the helm of France’s most prominent far-right party. With anecdotes about his single mother’s sacrifices and personal hardships, Bardella aims to resonate with French voters concerned about crime and economic challenges.
Yet, the Brussels appearance underscored rising political tension. Around 300 demonstrators from left-wing groups and Belgian universities gathered near the event, chanting anti-police slogans and attempting to break through barriers, prompting police to use water cannons. A faction of protesters then moved through the city, pelting the headquarters of the Belgian far-right party Vlaams Belang. Vlaams Belang’s chairman later alleged that a bystander in the building was injured during the unrest.
This incident, however, represents just one aspect of the broader debate ignited by Bardella’s memoir. The book’s release coincides with Le Pen’s high-profile trial over alleged misuse of European Parliament funds, which could result in her being barred from running in the 2027 presidential race. Prosecutors have sought a five-year prison sentence for Le Pen, with three years suspended, along with a five-year ban from holding public office. The verdict, expected early next year, may leave the party in Bardella’s hands sooner than anticipated.
Le Pen’s trial has revived speculation that Bardella is preparing for a “palace coup” within the National Rally. Though he frequently praises Le Pen in his book, portraying her as a “rock star” of French politics, Bardella’s own ambitions appear evident. Throughout his book tour, which blends book signings with political rallies, Bardella has cultivated a polished public image, using his memoir as a tool to enhance his profile and appeal to younger voters. His style and messaging have already won praise from conservative media, such as Fayard, the publisher owned by Vincent Bolloré, who invested significantly in the book’s promotion.
Bardella’s narrative of rising from hardship to success has helped him capture public interest, especially as he distances himself from the legal difficulties that threaten Le Pen’s future. His memoir includes stories of escaping violence in his neighbourhood, with the author portraying himself as a leader willing to endure personal sacrifices for a higher cause. Bardella’s strategic shift in focus, along with his careful framing of Le Pen’s legal battles as politically motivated, bolsters his position as a viable alternative should Le Pen face disqualification from office.
However, observers note that Bardella’s public deference to Le Pen may not signal unwavering loyalty. The political dynamics within the National Rally reveal a party preparing for potential change, with some speculating that Bardella’s well-timed book tour and growing media presence signal his readiness to lead if circumstances require. The 2019 European election campaign, which marked his rapid rise under Le Pen’s mentorship, established Bardella as a young figurehead capable of appealing to a wide voter base. His memoir’s themes resonate with younger generations facing economic difficulties, thereby solidifying his place within the RN’s future strategy.
For now, Bardella and his supporters deny any friction within the party. National Rally officials insist that his popularity complements rather than competes with Le Pen’s, arguing that Bardella’s book tour is primarily a public relations exercise. But as Le Pen’s trial proceeds, analysts like Jean-Yves Camus, a specialist on the French far right, believe Bardella’s measured approach reflects a readiness to assume leadership without openly challenging Le Pen, a path he views as “suicidal” for now.
Bardella has taken to social media to cast the charges against Le Pen as a partisan attack, echoing the narrative favoured by Le Pen herself. He contends that the trial reflects “relentlessness and revenge” by the French establishment. Le Pen, meanwhile, portrays the proceedings as an attempt to deny her supporters a viable candidate, likening her case to politically motivated actions seen in other countries.
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