In a bid for France’s prime minister position, far-right leader Jordan Bardella presents a charismatic face to his 1.3 million TikTok followers, showcasing a friendly demeanor alongside enthusiastic supporters.

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Bardella, 28, co-leads the National Rally (RN) alongside Marine Le Pen, aiming to capitalize on President Emmanuel Macron’s call for snap parliamentary elections following a major defeat in European elections. Polls indicate RN could secure a significant portion of the vote, with Bardella pushing for an outright majority to govern independently.

His platform, unveiled recently, emphasizes curbing undocumented migration, reducing energy taxes to boost purchasing power, and strengthening control over education. Bardella has also pledged continued support for Ukraine while opposing the provision of long-range weapons.

If successful, Macron’s gamble could lead to an uneasy cohabitation between a hard-right prime minister handling domestic affairs and a liberal president overseeing foreign policy. The election outcome, however, remains uncertain, potentially stalling the parliament if no party secures a majority.

Bardella, who has pitched himself as the “only alternative” to dissatisfaction with Macron, emerges from a background in Seine-Saint-Denis, where he experienced firsthand the challenges of immigration and societal unrest. His meteoric rise within RN, from spokesperson to president, underscores his rapid ascent and rebranding efforts away from the party’s controversial past.

While projecting a mild demeanor and leveraging social media to connect with younger voters, Bardella remains steadfast in his far-right positions on immigration and national identity. Despite presenting a more polished image, his policies on expelling foreigners who commit crimes and restricting social benefits to French citizens reflect RN’s hardline stance.

As France braces for the election’s implications, Bardella’s campaign seeks to resonate with voters dissatisfied with the status quo, presenting a clear alternative to Macron’s leadership amid heightened political tension and uncertainty.