Thread by @Nick_Delehanty

🧵 | Who is Jordan Bardella? 🇫🇷
The Lion's Cub Ready to Roar in French Politics 🦁

The EU election results have rocked French politics.

Now a looming snap election could make 28 year old Jordan Bardella, France's next Prime Minister - within a matter of weeks. Much to the delight of his 1.2million TikTok followers.

Let's unravel his story and how Marine Le Pen is the mastermind behind his rise....🧵

EU Election Triumph 🗳️

In last weekend's EU elections, Le Pen's National Rally secured a significant victory, solidifying Bardella's influence.

The brown areas of this map all voted for "far-right" leaning parties.

His support across France is nothing short of remarkable.

The Puppet Master: Marine Le Pen 🎭

In 2015 Marine Le Pen, the seasoned leader of the National Rally, ousted her father from the party to remove his hardcore views & influence.

Realising she needed a younger face for her movement
she then strategically placed 26 year old Bardella in the spotlight as party president 2021.

Le Pen now focuses on pulling the strings from behind the scenes as she eyes a 2027 presidency bid.

The "Lion’s Cub" 🦁

Nicknamed "Le Lionceau" (the Lion's Cub) Bardella is considered the heir apparent to Le Pen's political legacy.

Bardella is also going-out with Nolwenn Olivier, Marine Le Pen's niece and grand daughter of Jen Marie Le Pen - strengthening his ties to the Le Pen dynasty.

Humble Beginnings

Born on September 13, 1995, in Drancy, Seine-Saint-Denis, Bardella's rise from the working-class suburbs to political stardom reads like a Hollywood script.

His mother, an Italian immigrant came to France in the 1960s from Turin, split from his father, a businessman, when he was one year old.

Despite growing up in a poor area, Bardella attended a private school, with his absentee father covering the fees.

This background fuels his narrative of overcoming adversity and makes him accessible to all voters.

Teenage Politico

Bardella joined the National Front at just 16 in 2012. His rapid ascent is a testament to his relentless ambition and savvy political manoeuvring

He studied geography at Sorbonne but dropped out to focus full time on politics - a move that seems to have paid off rather well!

By 2014, he was a regional councilor in Île-de-France, and by 2018, he was the National Rally's spokesperson.

In 2019, he led the party in the European Parliament elections, showcasing his leadership prowess.

TikTok Star 📱

With 1.2 million followers on TikTok. He is hugely popular across France.

His savvy use of social media sets him apart from traditional politicians.

Along with his polished media presence, Bardella is adept at handling tough interviews and debates. His articulate style has won him admirers and critics alike.

The Cry: "La France disparaît" 🇫🇷

Bardella's tagline, "La France disparaît" (France is disappearing), resonates deeply with his base.

He claims to defend traditional French values against globalisation and immigration, stirring both support and controversy.

Political Controversies

Bardella's stance on immigration and French identity has sparked controversy. Critics accuse him of stoking division, while supporters see him as a defender of French values.

Many have observed his use of his immigrant background, which also has distant roots in Algeria, to counter claims any claims he is racist.

The National Rally’s Future

Under Bardella’s leadership, the National Rally aims to shed its extremist image and gain mainstream acceptance.

His ability to modernise the party while retaining its core message is critical, ... all under the Le Pen's shrewd strategic guidance.

The results of the France's snap election will have a major impact on the future of France and Europe.

Watch closely 👀

What does all this mean for Ireland? 🇮🇪

It's too early to tell.

But a Bardella victory will tighten immigration policies in France and Europe - potentially solving some problems for us.

Nothing can be guaranteed but whats good for the goose....