RN Deputies Lament Backlash over Le Pen’s Ferrand Decision
Marine Le Pen’s recent decision to support Richard Ferrand for the presidency of the Constitutional Council has sparked outrage among National Rally (RN) members. Elected officials within the party have been facing a barrage of criticism, both online and offline.
Social Media Firestorm
On social media platforms, every attempt by RN deputies to justify their "strategy" has been met with hostility. Disgruntled supporters have expressed their disappointment, while others have resorted to outright insults. The party’s official Twitter account has become a battleground, with numerous posts being met with vitriolic replies.
Email Inundation
Deputies’ email inboxes have also been flooded with messages of condemnation. The sheer volume of these messages has prompted one influential RN member to take drastic action. He instructed his assistants to contact each sender and verify their identity and party affiliation.
"We need to make sure that these are not fake militants or voters who have come from Reconquête or elsewhere!" he said, although he declined to disclose the results of this "phoning" operation.
Internal Divisions
The Le Pen’s decision has further exacerbated internal divisions within the RN. Some party members argue that supporting Ferrand, a member of President Emmanuel Macron’s party, is a betrayal of the party’s core values. Others, however, believe that this pragmatic move is necessary to gain influence within the French political establishment.
Macron Camp: Unity or Discord?
The divisions within the RN stand in stark contrast to the apparent unity in Macron’s camp. Despite their ideological differences on issues such as immigration and the European Union, members of the presidential majority have largely refrained from public criticism of one another.
A Tale of Two Parties
The contrasting reactions within the RN and Macron’s camp underscore the fundamental differences between the two parties. While the RN is grappling with internal divisions and a hostile backlash from its base, Macron’s supporters appear to be more cohesive and less prone to open dissent.
Implications for the French Political Landscape
The fallout from Le Pen’s decision could have significant implications for the French political landscape. It remains to be seen whether the RN will be able to overcome these internal divisions and maintain its electoral support. Macron, on the other hand, seems to be benefiting from the perceived unity within his camp, which could strengthen his position in the run-up to the 2027 presidential election.
Conclusion
Marine Le Pen’s decision to support Richard Ferrand for the presidency of the Constitutional Council has ignited a firestorm of controversy within the National Rally. Elected officials are facing an onslaught of criticism from supporters, while internal divisions are widening. In contrast, the Macron camp appears to be more unified and cohesive. The long-term implications of this divide remain to be seen, but it is clear that the French political landscape is undergoing a period of significant change.
