Far-Right National Rally Faces Scrutiny Over Candidates’ Controversial Remarks

France’s far-right National Rally (RN) is facing increased scrutiny as reports emerge of numerous candidates in upcoming local elections making racist, anti-Semitic, and otherwise extremist statements online. The revelations raise questions about the party’s ongoing efforts to rebrand itself and broaden its appeal.

Report Details Extensive History of Problematic Posts

According to a report by the French daily Libération, approximately 100 candidates running under the National Rally banner or as part of far-right coalitions have made hateful remarks on social media. This represents more than 10% of the candidates nominated by the RN and its allies for the upcoming elections, which will determine mayors and city council members. Source

Range of Offensive Statements

The reported statements encompass a wide range of extremist views, including racial hatred, Islamophobia, sexism, homophobia, pro-Russian sentiment, and conspiracy theories. Specific examples cited include:

• Stephane Ferry, a candidate in eastern France, expressed support for “remigration,” advocating for the expulsion of people of color. He shared a post with a photo of President Emmanuel Macron alongside people of color, accompanied by the message, “A one-way trip to a corner of North Africa.” Source
• Fernand Beauvilin, a candidate in the Gironde region, posted a photo of the French national soccer team, lamenting that only two out of eleven players were white. Source
• Monique Grizetti, a candidate in Marseille, directed a derogatory message towards Congolese singer Jims, telling him to “go back to your hometown and milk your goats.” Source
• Another candidate, Fernand Beauvilin, suggested shooting soccer star Kylian Mbappe. Source

Conspiracy Theories and Disinformation

The report also highlighted the prevalence of conspiracy theories among the candidates, including anti-vaccine sentiments and claims that aircraft contrails are used to “spray chemicals to sterilize and poison the population.” One candidate falsely claimed the 2022 presidential election was fraudulent. Source

National Rally’s Position and Leadership

The National Rally currently holds the largest number of seats in the French National Assembly. The party’s president, Jordan Bardella, has previously faced scrutiny for his own past controversial statements, including racist expressions found on a private Twitter account in 2024. Source

Libération noted that the findings suggest the National Rally remains deeply rooted in the far-right, with persistent issues of anti-Semitism, conspiracy theories, and support for “remigration.” Source

Recent Developments and Leadership Transition

Recent years have seen a shifting dynamic within the National Rally. While Marine Le Pen has long been the face of the party, Jordan Bardella has gained prominence, particularly among younger voters and those with more economically liberal views. Source Le Pen herself was convicted of embezzlement in 2025 and may be barred from running for president in 2027, potentially paving the way for Bardella to lead the party. Source

In July 2025, the National Rally headquarters were raided by French police investigating campaign finances. Source