Jordan Bardella Seeks Independent Political Identity Amid RN's Rising Local Influence

Jordan Bardella, president of the Rassemblement National (RN), unveiled his second book, "Ce que veulent les Français," on October 28, 2025, signaling a strategic move to establish himself as a leading political figure distinct from Marine Le Pen. Unlike his first book published in 2024, which prominently mentioned Le Pen, this latest 400-page work references her just once, highlighting Bardella's intention to craft an autonomous political image. He describes the book as capturing "the diary of a country blending deep anger, fatigue, and incomprehension," aiming to resonate with the public mood. The book is published by Fayard, priced at 23.90 euros with a digital version available for 16.99 euros.

Concurrently, the RN is translating its growing electoral success into local political ambitions. In Lège-Cap-Ferret, a traditionally right-wing commune, the RN garnered 42.4% of votes in the recent legislative elections. For the upcoming March 2026 municipal elections, the party is presenting Jean-Pierre Vaillant, a 73-year-old retired executive, as its candidate for the first time. Vaillant aims to leverage his administrative and business experience to serve constituents effectively. The RN's regional delegate, Jimmy Bourlieux, noted a significant "blue wave" of RN support in the Bassin d’Arcachon area, traditionally a stronghold of the right-wing Les Républicains.

These developments illustrate Bardella's dual approach: forging a personal political identity while capitalizing on increased local momentum for RN. The party plans to field more candidates in municipalities, with announcements slated for January 2026, reflecting a broader strategy to convert electoral gains into governance roles.