Jean-Marie Le Pen’s call for rallying behind the official FN list does not seem to dampen the enthusiasm of the old guard dissidents from the pro-Marine line.
Outgoing regional councilor Lydia Schenardi, long-time number 1 of the party in Alpes-Maritimes before the parachuting of Marie-Christine Arnautu, has already made it known that she will maintain her freedom of action, as well as other veterans who never accepted the new political line and, as a result, their sidelining.
For the record, nine regional councilors, including Ms. Schenardi, resigned from the FN after Jean-Marie Le Pen’s exclusion.
Will they join the list that the mayor of Orange, Jacques Bompard, plans to present, which aims to run parallel to Marion Le Pen’s list? Nothing is less certain!
This is what the “PACA fait Front” Collective ensures, announcing Lydia Schenardi’s presence as the lead candidate in Alpes-Maritimes and planning a fierce campaign against Olivier Bettati’s “official” one.
Amid resentments, jealousies, and ambitions, the settling of scores between loyalists and dissidents, orthodox and opportunists, the old guard and newcomers, is likely to last a long time and leave marks.
Will the voters understand anything? That would be useful to know because, ultimately, they are the ones who will go to vote in December.
