French Far-Right National Rally Sets Sights on Bordeaux: A ‘Conquest of the West’ Underway
Bordeaux, France – October 11, 2025 – In a bold move signaling a significant escalation of its political strategy, France’s far-right National Rally (RN), led by Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, has officially launched its campaign for the upcoming municipal elections in Bordeaux. The party is aiming to make substantial gains across the New Aquitaine region, traditionally a stronghold for leftist parties, and is framing this push as a “conquest of the West.” This breaking news development has sent ripples through the French political landscape, prompting analysis of the RN’s evolving tactics and potential impact.
From Presidential Runs to Local Councils: A New Strategy for the RN
For years, the RN (formerly the Front National) has focused heavily on national-level campaigns, particularly presidential elections. While Marine Le Pen has consistently garnered significant support, translating that into control of local governments has proven elusive. This time, however, the party is adopting a more granular approach, aiming to win control of municipalities and secure a strong presence in regional councils. This shift reflects a broader trend in European politics, where far-right parties are increasingly focusing on local governance as a pathway to broader power.
“The era of an impregnable leftist fortress is well and truly over,” declared Edwige Diaz, RN MP for Gironde and vice-president of the party, during a rally held at the Parc des Expos in Bordeaux on September 14th. The RN is planning to field approximately 100 lists in New Aquitaine, a dramatic increase from the 35 lists presented in 2020. This ambitious expansion demonstrates the party’s confidence and commitment to this new strategy.
Immigration and Security: The Core of the Campaign
The RN’s campaign platform remains firmly rooted in its traditional focus on immigration and security. Party officials have repeatedly emphasized the need to address what they perceive as a growing crisis in these areas. Edwige Diaz specifically targeted Bordeaux as a “leftist, wokist, degrowthist, immigrationist enclave, with anti-Zionist overtones,” signaling a clear intention to exploit perceived vulnerabilities within the city’s political landscape. This rhetoric, while controversial, resonates with a segment of the French electorate concerned about national identity and public safety.
Evergreen Context: The Rise of Populism in Europe – The RN’s strategy mirrors similar movements across Europe, where populist and nationalist parties have gained traction by tapping into anxieties about immigration, economic insecurity, and cultural change. From Italy to Hungary, these parties have successfully mobilized voters by presenting themselves as defenders of national interests and traditional values. Understanding this broader European context is crucial to interpreting the RN’s ambitions in Bordeaux.
Key Candidates and Regional Targets
While the full slate of candidates is still being finalized, several key figures have already been announced. Julie Rechagneux, a Member of the European Parliament and former municipal councilor, will lead the RN’s charge in Bordeaux. Other confirmed candidates include Frédérique Joint in Saint-Savin and Sébastien Jacques in Tauriac, both located in Haute Gironde. These initial selections suggest the RN is targeting smaller municipalities as potential early victories, building momentum before tackling larger cities like Bordeaux.
The RN’s strong performance in recent European and legislative elections – Bardella led in 95% of municipalities in the European elections, and the party secured 8 deputies in New Aquitaine – provides a solid foundation for its municipal campaign. The party garnered 1.2 million votes in the region during the legislative elections, demonstrating a significant level of support.
What’s Next? A Race to Mobilize Voters
The next six months will be critical as the RN works to finalize its candidate lists, refine its messaging, and mobilize its supporters. The party faces the challenge of converting its existing support base into actual votes and persuading undecided voters. The municipal elections in Bordeaux and across New Aquitaine are shaping up to be a pivotal test for the RN, potentially paving the way for further gains in future elections. The outcome will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future of French politics and the broader European landscape. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of this developing story and in-depth analysis of the French political scene.
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