Paris, France – France’s far-right National Rally party is facing serious internal turmoil. This comes amid leaks revealing a push within Jordan Bardella’s circle to reconsider one of leader Marine Le Pen’s most symbolic and popular campaign promises: raising the retirement age back to 62.
“The New Guard” versus “The Old Guard”
وتأتي هذه التحركات وسط صراع غير معلن بين جناحين داخل الحزب. يسعى المقربون من “جوردان بارديلا” إلى تبني مقاربة اقتصادية أكثر واقعية تهدف لاستمالة الناخبين المعتدلين الذين يساورهم القلق بشأن الوضع المالي للبلاد. وتتمثل الخطة المقترحة في وضع ثقل أكبر على شرط “42 عاماً من المساهمات التأمينية”. كما سيتم فرض معاش تقاعدي مخفض على من يقررون التقاعد قبل إكمال هذه المدة، حتى وإن بلغوا سن الـ 62.
Conversely, Marine Le Pen’s “old guard” is deeply concerned that this move will damage the party’s grassroots support, particularly among the working class, which forms the backbone of the National Rally’s popularity.
Le Pen leaves the door ajar
Although Marine Le Pen officially maintains her commitment to repealing President Emmanuel Macron’s reforms and restoring the retirement age to 62, her tone has recently softened. She has spoken of the need for a “fair reform” and acknowledged imbalances in the current system, particularly for those who entered the workforce late or experienced disjointed career paths. Observers see this as a potential opening for a radical shift in her position.
Critical timing and political stakes
These discussions come at a highly sensitive political juncture. The party is awaiting the Court of Appeal’s decision on July 7 regarding Le Pen’s conviction for misappropriating European funds. Should the decision to bar her from holding public office be upheld, the party will be forced to present Jordan Bardella as its sole and primary candidate for the 2027 elections. He is currently leading in the polls.
This shift, if adopted, is likely to directly impact the most vulnerable groups in the labor market, including the long-term unemployed and those who began their careers later in life after extensive studies. It remains expected that the party’s final decision will be made next fall, once Le Pen’s legal status becomes clearer. This will be a cornerstone of the National Rally’s full electoral program as it campaigns for the Élysée Palace.
