Key facts
- Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, leaders of France's National Rally, are experiencing internal policy disagreements.
- Tensions have emerged over issues including pension reform and a proposed ban on hijabs.
- Bardella had previously positioned himself as a more fiscally moderate candidate but is now supporting Le Pen's platform.
- A key economic advisor, François Durvye, has reportedly left the campaign amid these policy differences.
- Party officials are attempting to present a united front, downplaying the extent of the disagreements.
Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, the two prominent figures of France's far-right National Rally party, are navigating internal policy disagreements as they prepare for the upcoming presidential election. Bardella, who had been positioning himself as a potential presidential candidate with a focus on economic moderation, is now aligning behind Le Pen, who has reasserted her candidacy.
Tensions have surfaced over several key issues. Le Pen has reiterated a promise to allow workers to retire at 62, a policy Bardella had previously questioned as part of his effort to appear fiscally responsible. The departure of François Durvye, a key economic adviser who reportedly favored Bardella's candidacy, has further highlighted these divisions.
Another point of contention is a proposal by a Le Pen lieutenant to fine individuals wearing hijabs in public. While Bardella suggested a referendum on the matter, Le Pen framed it as a measure against 'Islamist ideology.' National Rally officials have sought to downplay these differences, characterizing them as internal debates with eventual agreement, particularly on the hijab ban itself.
Despite these internal discussions, party officials maintain that Bardella will fully support Le Pen's campaign. However, some voters expressed a preference for Bardella as the presidential candidate, indicating potential challenges in unifying the party's base.