French Right-Wing Figures Divided Over Alliance with Far-Right RN

In recent weeks, a significant debate has emerged within the French right-wing political spectrum regarding alliances with the far-right Rassemblement National (RN). While numerous leaders now favor a 'union of the rights,' several prominent figures continue to reject any formal electoral collaboration with the RN.

Laurent Wauquiez, president of the Republicans group in the National Assembly, supports primary elections among right-wing candidates but stops short of endorsing an alliance with the RN. Bruno Retailleau, president of the Republicans (LR), calls for right-wing unity through electoral means and controversially includes the RN as part of the republican arc, distinguishing it from parties like La France Insoumise.

A notable shift comes from former President Nicolas Sarkozy, who states in his new book that he opposes any republican front involving the RN, contrasting with his past calls to vote for Emmanuel Macron to block Marine Le Pen in 2017 and 2022. This change pleases RN ally Eric Ciotti, who claims only a few, such as Xavier Bertrand and Michel Barnier, reject cooperation with the extreme right.

Bertrand explicitly distances himself from the RN, emphasizing his fight against both the RN and La France Insoumise and criticizing the normalization of the RN. Michel Barnier concurs on rejecting alliances with the extreme right but advocates engaging with RN voters to understand their concerns. Dominique de Villepin warns against the political and moral errors of normalizing the RN.

Other right-wing figures like Valérie Pécresse also oppose alliances with extreme parties, fearing it could lead to the collapse of the Republican party. This division highlights the ongoing tension as elections approach, with debates centering on the balance between political pragmatism and ideological boundaries within the right-wing camp in France.