Paris – 16.06.2026: On June 7, 2026, Jordan Bardella, president of the French Rassemblement National (RN) party, appeared with his girlfriend Maria Carolina de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles at the Monaco Grand Prix race. The two were photographed in the VIP room, which attracted attention in the media and caused tension within the party. At the same time, in France, in the Gers region, a memorial ceremony for the late Lyhanna took place with the participation of many left-wing members and local residents.
Many RN members expressed dissatisfaction with Bardella attending such a luxurious event. Critics called those photos the “height of flaunting” because they contradicted Bardella’s usual image as a representative of the “forgotten people” and a social critic. They accused him of undermining the party’s social message and showing inconsistency in his actions.
Jordan Bardella defended his decision by emphasizing that there must be a clear separation between private life and political commitment. He asserted that memorials take place daily and that the visit to the Monaco Grand Prix was not intended to make any political statement. The relationship with Maria Carolina de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles, a wealthy Italian heiress and a well-known figure in high society, was made public in January 2026 when the couple appeared together at an event at the Grand Palais in Paris.
The connection to a prominent noble family has sparked much debate beforehand. Many observers see this as a contradiction to Bardella’s role as the voice of the lower social classes and to his political program, which often opposes the upper class. Within the party, there are different views: some emphasize Bardella’s personal freedom and the clear separation between private life and politics, while others worry about the risk of losing touch with voters.
Despite the criticism, Bardella remains an influential figure in the RN. Recently, he has particularly opposed the French government’s pension reform and declared that his party would vote against the 2026 budget plans regardless of the situation. The debate about his participation in an exclusive event like the Monaco Grand Prix highlights the internal challenges in seeking consistency between political messaging and personal lifestyle.
The party faces the task of reliably maintaining its social stance, while its leaders are increasingly placed under public spotlight, making personal decisions also a topic of discussion. This incident shows the close connection between political identity, public perception, and voter expectations.
Sources
- franceinfo