Jordan Bardella’s meteoric rise in French politics is creating a storm of controversy. At just 28, he stands on the brink of becoming France’s prime minister, potentially the youngest in over 200 years. Bardella, handpicked by Marine Le Pen to lead the National Rally (RN) in an effort to purge its racist and antisemitic roots, has brought the party closer to power than ever before. In the first round of a snap parliamentary election, the RN dealt a significant blow to President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance.

The possibility of an RN-led government has sent shockwaves through France and Europe. France's left and centrist parties are desperately urging voters to unite against the far-right to prevent them from securing an absolute majority in the National Assembly. Over 200 parliamentary candidates from Macron’s alliance and the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) have stepped down to avoid vote-splitting in the second round.

Bardella, the only child of Italian immigrants, grew up in a working-class Paris suburb and joined the RN at 16. His rapid ascent within the party has seen him become the fresh, youthful face of the RN, appealing especially to younger voters. His popularity on platforms like TikTok, where he shares everyday moments, contrasts sharply with the party’s far-right history and its founder Jean-Marie Le Pen’s legacy.

Despite Bardella’s charisma, critics argue that his leadership lacks substance. His absence from key votes as a member of the European Parliament and his vague policy positions have raised concerns about his readiness to govern. The RN’s manifesto promises to slash value-added tax on energy products and suspend it for basic necessities, but financial experts warn this could push France further into economic trouble and conflict with EU fiscal rules.

Bardella’s stance on immigration remains hardline, promising to abolish birthright citizenship for children of foreigners and prioritizing French citizens in welfare and public employment. This nativist philosophy is cloaked in more palatable messaging, but its core remains unchanged.

Comparisons to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has maintained a hard-right domestic agenda while adhering to mainstream foreign policies, suggest the RN might adopt a similar approach. However, the potential for constitutional crises looms large, especially if Bardella and Macron clash over policies requiring parliamentary approval.

As France braces for the election runoff, the nation—and the world—must grapple with the unsettling prospect of a far-right French government led by Jordan Bardella, a charismatic yet untested leader.