Jordan Bardella’s opponents say he is devoid of substance, and even his smile and the way he speaks are the result of intensive training.
They also claim that his convictions are non-existent, and he shapes them according to the moment. They further charge him with a lack of knowledge and understanding of the issues at hand.
On the other hand, his supporters say he is handsome and has a perfect smile. They like that he is young and behaves like a star. He is charismatic, and every one of his TikTok videos goes viral within hours.
The 28-year-old politician is the rising star of the French far right. Marine Le Pen quickly recognised his potential and gave him a platform, a smart move as Jordan Bardella is now among the country’s most popular personalities, poised to lead the National Rally (RN) to triumph.
Nearly a third of French voters are expected to cast their ballots for RN, giving a party once considered too toxic twice the support of its main rival, the ruling Renaissance party of Emmanuel Macron. This rise is not due to Jordan Bardella alone but to Marine Le Pen’s hard work over the years to normalise her party and soften its public image.
Nevertheless, the 28-year-old politician remains a product of his time. Voters do not care about the negatives attributed to him; they support him wholeheartedly. And, of course, he is not the only case. Similar figures can be found in all member states, individuals who are popular on social media, with no traditional political background, and who, as shooting stars, insist they can change the system.
We do not know if voters truly believe in them. What matters is that they vote for them. Perhaps it is because they secretly hope that these newcomers will make a difference. Or maybe it is because they have become disillusioned with traditional politicians who always promise but ultimately deliver nothing.
It is interesting to observe how this story repeats itself. These new faces, who emerge as “saviours,” enjoy a brief honeymoon period before eventually being discredited when voters realise that “everything changes, but everything stays the same,” as the song goes.
Or until they turn to the next political star who promises them things they can’t deliver.political star. youthful charisma, rising star, disillusionment
