Bardella Antisemitism Claims 'Risky' for Le Pen

These alleged private messages date back to the period between 2013 and 2015. Jordan Bardella has denied these allegations, dismissing them as "gross fakes."

He suggested that the leaks are a deliberate attempt to destabilize the party through internal information, highlighting what he calls the paradox of the RN simultaneously undergoing normalization and demonization.

Aubert argued that the National Rally (RN) faces significant challenges in being perceived as a mainstream party, comparable to the Socialists or Republicans, given the accusations against its president.

He specifically noted that a party leader accused of holding such views, even at the age of 17, would struggle to convince the public of the party's normalization, making it difficult to gain broader acceptance.

Julien Aubert observed a notable shift in Marine Le Pen's public stance, moving from an initial expression of disbelief regarding the allegations against Jordan Bardella to one of "absolute trust."

He highlighted the unique nature of the RN's 'tandem' leadership, where the Prime Minister candidate carries significant political weight, suggesting that if the accusations are substantiated, Le Pen risks being judged "co-responsible" for the alleged statements.

Julien Aubert asserted that the information implicating Jordan Bardella likely originated from within the National Rally's (RN) inner political or social circle, emphasizing the decade-long connection required to access such specific details.

He suggested the clear motive behind this "missile" was to politically eliminate Bardella, effectively removing him from the path to Matignon.

He believes the timing and nature of the leak against Bardella indicate a deliberate effort to derail his political career, mirroring the strategy used to sabotage Fillon's campaign.

Aubert noted that Marine Le Pen has consistently sought to distance herself from her father's past antisemitic rhetoric, making the current controversy particularly damaging.

The primary risk for Le Pen, according to Aubert, is being perceived as unable to effectively vet her chosen successors, which could lead voters to question whether the National Rally has genuinely transformed.

This incident could significantly impact the Jewish electorate's perception of the party, potentially eroding trust and support.

Aubert argued that by denying everything, Bardella risks having his claims invalidated if any evidence emerges of his past proximity to figures like Alain Soral, which would then lend credence to the accusations.

He warned that even weak evidence of association with antisemitic figures could lead to a "contamination by proximity," drawing a parallel to the defense strategies seen in cases like that of former politician Jérôme Cahuzac.

Julien Aubert outlined that his party's core ambition is to win the Elysée, not merely to secure power in Matignon, distinguishing the LR's long-term goals from those focused on short-term governmental positions.

He emphasized the LR's commitment to a pragmatic and clear-eyed approach to the national budget, citing the national debt, which has now surpassed 119% of GDP and requires an estimated 100 to 120 billion euros in savings, and criticized the current political discourse for being disconnected from these pressing economic realities.

He noted a "latency effect" in the Senate, where its composition often lags behind national political shifts, citing historical examples such as the socialist-leaning Senate during Charles de Gaulle's presidency, but questioned whether the ongoing scandals within the RN would impede this process of institutionalization.

He pointed to the alliance with President Macron as a failed "experiment" that significantly damaged the standing of the traditional right-wing, while the interviewer challenged Aubert's assertion, questioning whether votes from non-aligned mayors, rather than solely from LR officials, truly indicate political "porosity" with the RN.

Aubert argued that this mechanism would restore ultimate legislative authority to the citizens, moving beyond the Council's decision.

He further posited that only a candidate like Bruno Retailleau, who could potentially secure control of both the Senate and the National Assembly, would possess the necessary legal and political power to effectively implement such a constitutional amendment.

Julien Aubert criticized the noticeable absence of referendums over the past two decades, arguing that this democratic deficit directly contributes to the increasing prevalence of protest voting.

He challenged the notion of the Constitutional Council as the sole guardian of liberties, proposing instead that elected officials, rather than appointed bodies, should be responsible for resolving fundamental existential conflicts within the state.

Julien Aubert asserted that the student protests are being politically instrumentalized by La France Insoumise (LFI), citing a student union leader who, despite denying ties, had previously run as an LFI candidate.

He observed that protesters are adopting specific narratives, such as "police violence" and "racism," which align with LFI's political agenda.

Aubert viewed these demonstrations as a "rehearsal" by LFI to challenge the legitimacy of the state and mobilize voters for Jean-Luc Mélenchon in upcoming elections.

Julien Aubert claimed that the Prime Minister is in a political deadlock, having suspended pension reforms, which has consequently led to budget instability and escalating interest rates.

Aubert predicted that the government faces an unavoidable failure: either it reintroduces the reforms and loses its parliamentary majority, or it maintains the suspension, leading to the collapse of the government along with the budget.