Overview
- On Radio J, Xavier Bertrand said Jordan Bardella has not worked his dossiers, called him "creux," and argued that at 30 he lacks the experience to run the country.
- Bertrand claimed many rivals hesitate to criticize Bardella because polls place the RN leader near 35% in first‑round voting intentions.
- RN figures quickly rebuked Bertrand’s remarks, with deputy Laure Lavalette calling them vulgar and Sébastien Chenu turning blame back on the former minister.
- Bertrand, 60, is president of the Hauts‑de‑France region, a declared 2027 presidential contender, and is promoting his book as he escalates his critique of the RN.
- Bardella remains the right’s central figure in polling and is widely described as Marine Le Pen’s designated stand‑in, with a separate survey reporting 37% favorable opinions for his entry into government.