With only three days left until the crucial legislative elections in France, the far-right leader of the country has raised concerns about the potential leadership of the military in the event of her party assuming power after the upcoming elections.

The forthcoming elections have thrown France into unfamiliar territory, prompting political analysts to decipher the dynamics of power-sharing between President Emmanuel Macron and a prime minister who opposes most of his policies, should Marine Le Pen’s National Rally secure a majority in the National Assembly, France’s lower house of parliament.

Le Pen has asserted that Jordan Bardella, her protegee and the prominent figurehead of her party, would head France’s next government if their increasingly popular party emerges victorious.

In an interview, Le Pen hinted that Bardella, at 28 years old and lacking governing experience, would also have a role in making decisions regarding France’s defense and armed forces.

Macron has three years remaining in his presidential term.

Describing the role of the commander-in-chief of the armed forces as an honorary title for the president, Le Pen emphasized that it is the prime minister who wields actual power in military decision-making, as stated in an interview with Le Telegramme newspaper.

Political friction over foreign policy

The French Constitution designates the President of the Republic as the head of the armed forces and the chair of national defense councils and higher committees.

However, the Constitution also mandates that the prime minister holds responsibilities in national defense.

Constitutional experts have highlighted that the precise involvement of the prime minister in foreign policy and defense is open to interpretation.

This issue holds significant global implications as France possesses nuclear capabilities and has deployed troops and military personnel across various conflict zones worldwide.

Historically, when France had a president and a prime minister from different political affiliations, they generally found common ground on strategic defense and foreign policy matters.

Nonetheless, the current scenario of power-sharing termed “cohabitation” in France could differ significantly given the tensions between far-right and far-left politicians.

Both ideological factions harbor deep animosity towards the centrist, business-friendly president.

Regarding military command, political historian Jean Garrigues mentioned that while the president leads the armed forces, the prime minister has practical control over their deployment.

In a recent statement, Macron cautioned Western powers against displaying weakness towards Russia and proposed the possibility of sending Western troops to Ukraine to counter Russian aggression.

Le Pen remains optimistic about her party’s prospects and aims to leverage their success in the recent European Parliament elections into a victory in France, despite their history of racism, xenophobia, and ties to Russia.

Left-wing and various activist groups gathered in Paris urging voters to prevent the National Rally's anti-immigration stance from prevailing in the upcoming elections.

The initial round is set for Sunday, followed by the critical second round scheduled for July 7, presenting uncertainty due to the complex voting system and potential alliances.