Marion Maréchal, the lead candidate of the far-right party Reconquête! for the European elections, gave a speech surrounded by party president Eric Zemmour and co-candidate Sarah Knafo during the official presentation of the list in Paris on May 7, 2024. One month before the elections, she revealed the names of her eighty co-listers, including Eric Zemmour, Guillaume Peltier, Sarah Knafo, and Nicolas Bay. The party’s founder Eric Zemmour is listed at the end, and notable members such as Laurence Trochu, Stanislas Rigault, Agnès Marion, and Jean Messiha also feature on the list.
The list also includes Philippe Vardon, Eve Froger, Damien Rieu, Séverine Duminy, and Marc-Etienne Lansade, among others. Eric Zemmour holds the 80th position, while the last spot is reserved for Evelyne Reybert, the mother of Julien Vinson, who was killed in an attack in April 2020. The party currently has 5.5% of voter intentions, according to a survey conducted by Ipsos in collaboration with several research institutions. However, the party is far behind the Rassemblement National list led by Jordan Bardella, creating divisions within the party over the strategic approach to take against the RN candidate.
Some members advocate for a direct confrontation with the Rassemblement National, while others, including Marion Maréchal, prefer a more conciliatory approach towards Bardella to avoid further division within the nationalist camp. Despite these differences, Eric Zemmour expressed his full support for Marion Maréchal, emphasizing unity within the party. This divide in strategic approach has been a point of contention within the party in recent weeks, with the need to navigate the balance between challenging the RN and maintaining party unity.
The upcoming European elections will test Reconquête!’s ability to gather support and define their place in the political landscape. With Eric Zemmour and Marion Maréchal at the forefront, the party aims to present a strong front against the traditional political establishment and the far-right Rassemblement National. The inclusion of various figures from different backgrounds in the list reflects the party’s ambition to appeal to a diverse range of voters and challenge the dominance of established political parties.
As the election date approaches, the party will need to navigate internal tensions and external challenges to present a coherent and compelling vision to voters. The role of Marion Maréchal as the lead candidate will be crucial in shaping the party’s messaging and strategy in the face of competition from other parties. The outcome of the elections will determine Reconquête!’s future trajectory and potential impact on the European political landscape. Ultimately, their success will depend on their ability to mobilize support, communicate their platform effectively, and navigate the complexities of contemporary politics.
