Rassemblement National Embraces Gaullist Legacy to Redefine Its Political Image

The Rassemblement National (RN) is actively appropriating the Gaullist legacy, historically linked to state authority and national sovereignty, to reposition itself within French politics despite its far-right origins associated with Vichy and French Algeria. This strategic move is reflected in the RN’s proposal of a constitutional referendum invoking Article 11 of the Constitution, a mechanism used by Charles de Gaulle himself to bypass Parliament and reshape political structures. Political analysts, including Luc Rouban of CEVIPOF, underline how RN’s adoption of Gaullism contrasts with Macronism, emphasizing presidential authority and popular legitimacy.

The RN's ideological shift aims to normalize its image and tap into widespread public nostalgia for De Gaulle’s era, especially among RN voters longing for a 'better past.' This surge in Gaullist references is noticeable across the political spectrum, including figures close to President Macron. RN deputy Jean-Philippe Tanguy highlighted a pervasive lack of trust among entrepreneurs towards the state and politicians, reflecting broader public disillusionment that the RN seeks to address through its platform.

However, RN faces challenges aligning its nationalist and constitutional ambitions with the realities of financial constraints and evolving power dynamics favoring corporations and market forces. The party’s strategy also targets combating voter disillusionment regarding budgetary issues and public safety, proposing a Gaullist model as a remedy for current governance failures. Yet, experts caution that adapting to a political landscape where citizen engagement is increasingly private and skeptical may prove difficult for the RN.