behind the Aliot-Bardella duel, the battle of ancients and moderns

“You shouldn’t believe everything you’re told.” To all journalists who closely follow the start of the National Rally, the advice will seem familiar. On November 5, during the 18^e training congress, the nationalist party must nominate Marine Le Pen’s successor, who chose to give up the presidency to devote himself to his group in the National Assembly. The opportunity, also, to reveal in broad daylight the internal bickering.

For now, two competitors are on the starting line: Jordan Bardella, MEP and interim president since September 2021; and Louis Aliot, historical frontist and mayor of Perpignan. The rules of the game are clear: to be able to apply, each of them must gather, before September 9, around 70 sponsorships, i.e. 20% of the members of the national council (which includes deputies, mayors, councilors and delegates party departments). Any member who took their party card before September 26 will be able to participate…