Jordan Bardella Calls for Dissolution and a Return to the Polls Next Summer

During his press conference on Monday, January 27, in Paris, Jordan Bardella, president of the Rassemblement National (RN), stated that a dissolution of the National Assembly was “inevitable” and should be called “as soon as it is institutionally possible,” likely next summer. “Only a return to the people will allow the construction of a clear and stable majority for the country,” he affirmed, while criticizing the current political instability and the leadership of Prime Minister François Bayrou.

President Emmanuel Macron had already dissolved the Assembly in June 2024 following European elections won by the RN. However, this move backfired for the presidential camp, which was forced to form a government led by Michel Barnier, who resigned in December after a motion of no confidence brought by RN and left-wing deputies. François Bayrou subsequently took over and has been attempting to stabilize the situation ever since.

Jordan Bardella also addressed the challenges his party faced during the last legislative elections. While the RN gained 19 additional seats, it fell short of achieving the hoped-for majority. “We are preparing for a return to the polls,” he stressed, while also announcing plans for the 2026 municipal elections, with RN candidates expected in all major cities across France.

Finally, when questioned about the possibility of another motion of no confidence, Bardella took a measured tone: “For us, a no-confidence vote is neither a toy nor an end in itself.” However, he believes that the current instability makes a dissolution and early legislative elections essential to clarify the political landscape and prevent the country from “falling into stagnation.”