In the lead-up to the first round of parliamentary elections in France, the leader of the far-right National Rally party, Jordan Bardella, has highlighted his party's commitment to addressing the cost of living crisis. Bardella, who is just 28 years old, expressed the party's focus on immigration and law and order, stating confidently, "we are ready" to rule.

Bardella urged voters to consider National Rally as "the only credible alternative" to meet France's aspirations. The party has set its sights on becoming the largest party in the National Assembly, as indicated by recent opinion polls. Their platform includes combating the cost of living crisis, targeting immigration, and addressing law and order issues.

Among their proposed measures, National Rally aims to expel foreign criminals while seeking to restrict immigration by abolishing the right of nationality (droit du sol) for individuals who have resided on French soil for at least five years between the ages of 11 and 18.

Opinion polls currently place National Rally ahead of the left-wing New Popular Front. President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party, Renew, is trailing in third place, prompting him to call for the snap election following National Rally's victory in the European elections earlier this month. However, predictions suggest that National Rally might fall short of an absolute majority in the 577-seat National Assembly.

In a televised debate, Bardella faced off against Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and Manuel Bompard for the New Popular Front. Attal criticized National Rally's economic plans, calling them a disaster. President Macron, concerned about the rise of "two extremes," warned of the potential for "civil war" resulting from the proposals of both National Rally and France Unbowed, a significant component of the four-party leftist alliance.

Expounding on the party's nationalist stance, Bardella emphasized that critical roles in defense and security would be reserved exclusively for French citizens, with dual nationals excluded. He further outlined plans to limit social spending to French citizens, though constitutional hurdles may need to be addressed through a referendum.

Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire expressed apprehension about National Rally, viewing the party as a potential source of disorder and violence. In response, Bardella assured that his party would impose minimum sentences for repeat offenders, drug trafficking, and assaults on public servants. Additionally, any organization employing violence would be dissolved, regardless of whether they lean towards the "ultra-right or ultra-left."

Aside from their focus on law and order, National Rally's plans heavily target the cost of living crisis in France. Bardella pledged to repeal President Macron's unpopular pension reforms, allowing individuals who have worked for 40 years to retire at the age of 60. However, critics argue that the party's policies, particularly their proposal to reduce VAT on energy products from 20% to 5.5%, would be financially unaffordable, costing up to €17bn (£14bn), according to France's economy ministry.

Bardella also underscored that National Rally stood as the sole republican bulwark against the "extreme left of Jean-Luc Mélenchon," who has faced accusations of downplaying antisemitism. While a 12-year-old Jewish girl was recently subjected to antisemitic insults and rape in a Paris suburb, some members of the left-wing bloc have faced criticism for aligning with Mélenchon and potentially supporting his bid for prime minister. In response, leaders of the bloc, like Marine Tondelier of the Ecologists, have stated that a decision would be made through consensus, indicating that Mélenchon may not be a candidate.

The left-wing alliance has faced fractures, with former Socialist President François Hollande urging Mélenchon to "shut up" and avoid alienating moderate voters.

As the parliamentary elections draw nearer, France anticipates the outcome that will ultimately shape the country's future direction in tackling pressing challenges.