Guillaume Tabard: 'The RN and LFI's Threat of Insurrection'

In the increasingly polarized landscape of French politics, the rhetoric emerging from Saint-Denis, particularly from its new mayor, Bally Bagayoko, signals a dangerous escalation. Bagayoko's deliberate and provocative opposition between "institutional legitimacy" and "popular legitimacy," coupled with a warning of "popular insurrection" should the National Rally (RN) win in 2027, represents a significant departure from democratic norms. This framing, as analyzed in Le Figaro's 'CONTRE-POINT' section, appears to be a strategic move by La France Insoumise (LFI) to solidify its role as the primary opposition, even in the face of predictable electoral defeat.

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institutional legitimacy and popular legitimacy

The article posits that LFI, fully aware of their slim chances against RN candidates like Jordan Bardella or Marine Le Pen in a presidential election, is attempting to shift the narrative. Instead of focusing on electoral victory, they are aiming to embody a form of "resistance" against perceived "fascism." This strategy involves leveraging the "mistigri of 'demonization'"—a tactic that has seemingly shifted from the RN to LFI over the past decade. While the RN has worked to shed its image as a non-republican party, LFI has consistently pushed boundaries, flirting with "red lines" and, as Bagayoko's comments suggest, even questioning the acceptance of future election outcomes.

This approach carries significant risks. By suggesting the possibility of "insurrection" and contrasting different forms of legitimacy, LFI risks undermining the very foundations of the French Republic. The article implies that this tactic, while perhaps electorally disadvantageous in a direct contest, could create a "side effect of fear" for the RN, potentially destabilizing the political climate. The implication is that LFI is willing to play a high-stakes game, potentially jeopardizing democratic processes in pursuit of political positioning.

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the mistigri of 'demonization' has changed camps.

From a French perspective, as presented by Le Figaro, this is a critical moment. The article expresses deep concern over LFI's rhetoric, viewing it as a threat not to the RN's electoral prospects, but to the stability and democratic integrity of France itself. The piece serves as a stark warning against the normalization of such discourse, urging a defense of "institutional legitimacy" and the rule of law against what it perceives as a dangerous descent into political extremism, regardless of its origin. The unique French context, with its history of popular movements and political upheaval, makes such talk of "insurrection" particularly resonant and alarming.

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not to be able to beat the Lepenists at the ballot box