Contemporary French society faces a challenging socio-economic landscape. A series of crises and extraordinary events during Emmanuel Macron’s presidency have significantly impacted the French economy. Despite signs of moderate economic growth, indicators such as inflation, employment rates, and household purchasing power remain ambiguous. Social divisions are becoming more acute, and territorial imbalances and generational differences are also intensifying. As a result, socio-economic issues hold significant importance in the agendas of various political parties. The largest opposition party in France, the far-right National Rally, has conducted a substantial revision of its economic program. This new program, based on the logic of social populism, functions as a key strategic asset for the National Rally’s electoral campaign. The purpose of this article, which focuses on the economic aspects of the National Rally (NR) program from 2012 to 2024, is multifaceted. Firstly, it analyzes the evolution of the NR’s economic and social development proposals, highlighting the shift from liberal views to a strategy of social populism. Secondly, the author examines the French electorate’s response to Marine Le Pen’s updated socio-economic rhetoric. Finally, the study of Le Pen’s economic project reveals how she addresses issues that are highly pertinent to contemporary French society in public debates.
far right; M. Le Pen; France; populism; National Rally; E. Macron; French economy; social cleavages.