Julie Rechagneux, a rising figure in the Rassemblement National (RN) at age 30, is running in Bordeaux's municipal elections in March. Her disciplined and polished profile contrasts with past ties to radical circles within the party. She aims for a spot in the second round, challenging the traditional right's bid to reclaim the city.
Julie Rechagneux represents the ideal profile for the Rassemblement National (RN) in Bordeaux's municipal race. At 30, she appears composed and disciplined during a January meeting at a downtown café terrace. Wearing a neat scarf to appeal to the local bourgeoisie, she discusses municipal issues without dwelling on her anti-immigration stance: focus on security, defending motorists, promoting gastronomic heritage, repairing sidewalks, and ending social pricing in school cafeterias.
This young candidate aims to reach the second round in March, a outcome that could hinder the traditional right's effort to retake Bordeaux. Described by former colleagues as intelligent and serious, Rechagneux is rising quickly in an RN that promotes ambitious youth. Her career includes training at the Nouvelle-Aquitaine regional council, first as an assistant then as an elected official, under Edwige Diaz's guidance.
Despite her impeccable image, traces of radical associations mark her rise. From 2021 to 2024, she served as community manager for RN elected officials at e-Politic, a communication firm known as a hub for neo-fascist militants. There, she enjoys the trust of Paul-Alexandre Martin, successor to Frédéric Chatillon, a revolutionary nationalist militant. These connections clash with the party's de-demonization strategy, as seen in her social media activities.