Alain's union jacket and demonstration

Alain, a retired worker who has worn a red CGT union jacket for sixty years, attended a demonstration in Orleans against the National Rally (RN) congress held at the Zenith on October 24. The event was a response to the RN's growing influence among working-class voters.

Discrepancy in crowd numbers

According to the prefecture, 13,000 people attended the demonstration, while organizers claimed 26,000. Alain noted that the National Rally has become the first party in France among the working classes, despite not campaigning during social struggles. He expressed concern that the arrival of the RN in power would be a catastrophe.

Union membership shifts

Alain, who worked in a metallurgy plant in Bourges, stated that at the CGT, the union is still active, but at Force Ouvrière (FO), at least 60% of members have moved toward the far right. He believes the left lost these members since the five-year term of François Hollande.

City lockdown for the congress

The National Rally's congress required the immobilization of an entire city, with the route of the anti-RN demonstration modified by the prefecture to a restricted area, far from the city center. The bronze statue of Joan of Arc was surrounded by barriers, and the mayor of the commune, Serge Grouard, locked down bridges between the two sides of the Loire.

Security and new topics

Since 1972, the National Rally has had its eternal obsessions, such as security and immigration, and a tradition of singing La Marseillaise at every opportunity. However, this time, the party discussed purchasing power, the demands of high school students, and the lack of resources in the National Education system.

Youth and education debate

Deputy Michel Guiniot, who resembles Mélenchon, conceded that the demands were acceptable as long as they were done calmly and without violent acts. Alexandre, a 16-year-old student from Var, attended the event for Jordan Bardella, whom he considers talented. He grew up in a HLM with security problems.

Identity and ideological critique

Louise Montangon, a student from UNI affiliated with the National Rally, participated in a roundtable on restoring the school of the nation. She briefly acknowledged some legitimate demands of high school students but emphasized the negative impact of extreme left ideology on the excellence of the school.

Wokism and identity focus

Roger Chudeau, a National Rally deputy, discussed the impact of "wokism" at universities, including the deconstruction of knowledge, the deconstruction of the masculine and the feminine, and "pregnant men." Tony Bonalair, president of the youth movement of the RN, stated he never learned to love France during his schooling. The debate on education was reduced to the obsession of the far right: identity.

Financial claims and savings

The National Rally has focused on miraculous savings, claiming a 75% decrease in the party's debts since 2022, making it the least indebted party in France. Deputy Kevin Pfeffer, the party treasurer, boasted of this achievement and suggested similar savings for the state's finances, estimated at 140 billion euros.

Controversies and safety concerns

Despite its focus on civil peace, the National Rally faced incidents, such as the forced removal of two journalists from Mediapart. Some supporters expressed skepticism about the antisemitic messages allegedly sent by Jordan Bardella in his youth, stating they would not be affected if the courts confirmed the messages.

Symbolism and personal choice

Thomas, a 34-year-old bartender and creator of a luxury scarf brand in Orleans, wears a Lorraine cross as a symbol of resistance, not related to de Gaulle and Free France, but to the French flag. He joined the procession to put a bit of France in the middle of Palestinian flags. Thomas votes for the National Rally due to feeling unsafe from racists and to improve his security.

Veterans and ideological loyalty

Jean and Antonin, old Isère Front National veterans, call Jean-Marie Le Pen "father" and forgive his "stupidities." They have attended all the BBR (blue, white, red) parties since 1981. They have their favorite journalists on CNews, believing they are the only ones who tell the truth. Jean has a gun at home, and Antonin's was taken away after a search. They believe civil peace should be maintained at gunpoint.