As France on Sunday (July 7) holds its potentially 'seismic' snap legislative elections, far-right National Rally (RN) leader Jordan Bardella looks poised to become the prime minister. This significant feat at the young age of 28 depends on his party securing a majority, which, as per exit polls, is a huge possibility.

The elections, scheduled in two rounds on June 30, which the far right won, and July 7 (Sunday), could mark a significant shift in French politics and the face of this change is Bardella.

Who is Jordan Bardella? 

28-year-old Bardella has humble beginnings. From the social housing block in the outskirts of Paris where he grew up, to the helm of RN, Bardella has had nothing short of a meteoric rise.

His rags-to-riches story, from being raised by a single mother in a drab tower block in the crime-blighted northern Paris suburbs to potentially becoming the nation's PM, has struck a chord with many voters.

The young politician, as per AFP, has helped rejuvenate the RN party's image, long tainted by racism and anti-Semitism.

Under his watch, the National Rally (RN) achieved record scores in this month's European elections and won the first round of legislative polls on Sunday (June 30).

Bardella's Meteoric Rise

Jordan Bardella joined the National Front, at the age of 16, reports Reuters.

His prominence surged when, at the age of 23, he led the RN to a top spot in the 2019 European elections, edging out President Macron's centrist party.

In 2022, Bardella cemented his leadership within RN by winning nearly 85 per cent of party members' votes, thereby succeeding Marine Le Pen as the party president. This made him the first person outside the Le Pen dynasty to lead the party.

Known for his sharp wit and compelling media presence, Bardella has emerged as a formidable opponent to Macron's administration. 

The fact that he is unburdened by 'Le Pen' the most notorious surname in French politics helped him, and in turn, the party expand its vote among pensioners, young people and university graduates — who were reluctant previously to support the anti-immigration party, reports AFP.

In a statement last week, the young leader said he wanted to be the "prime minister of all French" respectful of the constitution in a "cohabitation" with President Emmanuel Macron, but "uncompromising".

"The French people have handed down a clear verdict," he said after his party came out on top in the first round of snap legislative elections. 

(With inputs from agencies)