Unrest's Embrace Brings Rising Peril

In the lead-up to the municipal elections in March 2026, the Republican right has made a significant shift in their stance, moving away from the "neither nor" position and embracing a policy of "everything but La France insoumise." This potential accommodation could signal a smoother path ahead for the National Rally (RN), a far-right political party.

The political landscape in France is set for a shake-up, with the National Assembly expected to refuse a vote of confidence for the budget adjustment plan on Monday. The plan, led by François Bayrou, has been criticised for taking unnecessary risks in an attempt to save it.

The National Rally's evolutions have been taking place without causing a stir, indicating that it has become perceived as just another party in the political arena. Its success can be attributed to its leaders exploiting the weaknesses and renunciations of those who claim to combat it.

One of the RN's leaders, Jordan Bardella, has been making waves by writing to business leaders promising massive tax cuts and regulatory relief. This move has been met with concern, given the party's anti-European Union stance and its increasing acceptance in business circles.

The RN's growing acceptance in business circles was unimaginable until recently. Notably, Jordan Bardella has been invited to the MEDEF's return, a significant step for the party.

This shift in the political landscape has been further facilitated by statements from prominent figures like Nicolas Sarkozy, who endorsed the RN in Le Figaro on September 2, 2022, and installed it as a credible candidate for Matignon.

However, these developments have not been without controversy. The RN's heart is rooted in the preference for the nation, a concept that is opposed to the principles of the French Constitution. This has raised concerns about potential serious tensions arising from these business interactions.

The lack of reaction to these evolutions suggests a normalization of the National Rally in French politics. This is not the only sign of increasing temptation towards the extreme right in business circles. Vincent Bolloré's offensive is just one example of this trend.

The political crisis in France is expected to deepen with the rejection of the budget adjustment plan, leading to a new crisis starting on September 8, 15 months after a previous dissolution in June 2024.

Laurence Parisot, president of the business movement, published a book in 2011 warning her troops about the dangers of a nationalist party that seeks to undo the European Union. The current developments, therefore, serve as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with the growing influence of the National Rally.