Attack on Hervé Breuil
Hervé Breuil, candidate of the far-right National Rally party (RN), was the victim of an attack while campaigning in the city of Saint-Étienne, near Lyon. According to The Guardian, Breuil was attacked by individuals dressed in black and with their faces covered. As a result of the attack, Breuil had to be hospitalized, and some local media indicate that he suffered a slight stroke. The police have already launched an investigation to clarify the facts.
Political reaction
Breuil’s RN party has sought to capitalise politically on the attack, following the example of what happened in Germany during the European elections. Marine Le Pen, the party’s leader, has pointed the finger at the alleged culprits: the new Popular Front formed by left-wing parties in France. Le Pen tweeted: “Cowardly attacked by ultra-left militias, supporters of the New Popular Front. An electoral campaign in a democracy cannot allow this ultra-violence from a far left ready to do anything to sow chaos.”
The extreme right and the absolute majority
Jordan Bardella, leader of RN, has stated that he will not accept the position of prime minister unless his party obtains an absolute majority in parliament. However, achieving an absolute majority in the French parliament is a difficult challenge, as 577 seats are required. Although polls indicate a possible victory for RN in the next legislative elections, achieving an absolute majority is a difficult goal to achieve.
Marine Le Pen, possible RN presidential candidate in 2027, had announced that Bardella would be the candidate for prime minister after the elections. However, Bardella declared that she would only accept the position if she achieved an absolute victory. “If tomorrow I am in a position to be named prime minister, and Matignon and I do not have an absolute majority because the French have not given it to me, then I will refuse to accept the position,” Bardella said.