In 2023, French President Emmanuel Macron chose to reframe the comments of his prime minister, Élisabeth Borne, after she made a controversial statement on Radio J about the far-right political party Rassemblement national (RN). Borne suggested that the party's ideas should not be dismissed as trivial, noting that while the party had become more polite in its public discourse, she still viewed its ideology as dangerous. This statement sparked significant debate and reflected broader tensions within French politics regarding how to address far-right influence. The controversy highlighted a shift in how France's political landscape has been addressing the far right. Traditionally, the fight against far-right ideologies was grounded in moral and ethical arguments, emphasizing their threat to democratic values. However, in recent years, Macron's presidential camp, along with parts of the business community and media, has increasingly sought to reduce the demonization of the Rassemblement national, while simultaneously discrediting leftist critiques of the party. This approach has been criticized as stemming from a mix of political cowardice, cynicism, or ideological alignment. The incident involving Borne became emblematic of what some describe as the "lost of the Republic," a phrase often used to refer to the perceived decline of traditional French republican values. It also underscored the complex dynamics within the French political spectrum, where efforts to combat far-right influence have become increasingly nuanced and contested. The debate over how to characterize and respond to the Rassemblement national continues to be a significant issue in French politics. While some argue that the party's ideas remain fundamentally dangerous, others believe that engaging with the party on its own terms is a necessary step in addressing its influence. This ongoing discussion reflects the broader challenge of balancing democratic values with practical political strategies in an evolving political environment.