tense debate between Gabriel Attal and Jordan Bardella

Two weeks before the European elections, the head of the National Rally list, Jordan Bardella, and the Prime Minister, Gabriel Attal, faced each other in a televised duel on Thursday, May 23. First theme addressed in this unprecedented debate, France’s place within the European Union (EU). “I am not against Europe, I am against the current functioning of the EU and I wish to change the rules, because I believe that the EU was built on dogmas, when all the other great powers of the world protect their industry, their internal market and their jobs”declared Jordan Bardella. “A vision of withdrawal”according to Gabriel Attal, who estimated that the application of the RN program would lead to the end of the European Union.

Another divisive subject, that of nuclear power. “In 2020, you closed Fessenheim, which was one of not only the most profitable but the safest nuclear power plants in the country”then launched Jordan Bardella to the Prime Minister, accusing the government of having “given in to the spirit of the times”. To which Gabriel Attal responded that no investment had been made to allow the Fessenheim power plant to “continue to live”after the decision, taken at the start of the Hollande five-year term, to close it.

Tense exchanges, particularly around the subject of immigration, very highlighted in the RN program. An unusual debate between a candidate and a head of government. Two weeks before the European elections, the majority hopes to make a mark by turning around in their campaign, while their candidate, Valérie Hayer, is significantly behind in voting intentions.