Laure Lavalette: The RN’s New Face and Toulon’s Controversial Candidate

Sur les plateaux de télé comme à l’Assemblée nationale, la députée RN du Var Laure Lavalette a imposé son carré identifiable et son style de mère de famille nature-peinture, qui tacle ses adversaires sans jamais lâcher son sourire cordial. Débit rapide, éléments de langage rodés, formée auprès de l’ancien journaliste Pascal Humeau — coach de Jordan Bardella —, elle est calibrée pour l’époque. On serait bien en peine, dernièrement, de lui trouver des positions politiques tranchées. Bien placée pour remporter les municipales à Toulon (83) face à une opposition divisée, Laure Lavalette joue sur son ancrage local et un maximum de consensus. « Laure, mère de famille de 49 ans », se présente sur son tract et au scrutin sans étiquette, pourvue d’un slogan en lettres jaunes pop ornées d’un soleil. Si le logo RN a été évacué de ses kits de campagne, c’est que Toulon a déjà été dirigé par l’extrême droite et en garde un souvenir cuisant. Entre 1995 et 2001, le maire Front national Jean-Marie Le Chevallier était à la tête de la ville avec à la clé, une montagne de scandales de corruption, et une quasi-faillite de la ville. La campagne de la candidate RN, qui met l’accent entre autres sur la réfection de la voirie, ne semble pas s’éterniser sur les thèmes prisés par l’extrême droite.

A Toulon, a Candidate’s Polished Image Masks a Troubled Past

The ascent of Laure Lavalette, a deputy from the Rassemblement National (RN) in the Var department, has been marked by a deliberate shift towards a more palatable public image. Lavalette, aiming for the mayorship of Toulon in the upcoming municipal elections, presents herself as a relatable mother of four, skillfully navigating political discourse with practiced ease. This carefully constructed persona, honed under the guidance of Pascal Humeau – a former BFM-TV journalist and communication coach for rising figures within the RN like Jordan Bardella – stands in stark contrast to a past marked by involvement with extremist groups and hardline ideological positions. The question facing Toulon voters is whether this transformation represents genuine evolution or a calculated strategy to restore the RN’s standing in a city with a complicated history with the far-right.

From Student Activism to National Politics

Lavalette’s political journey began in the mid-1990s, during her university years in Bordeaux. She became involved with Renouveau Étudiant, a student group linked to the Front National (FN), the RN’s predecessor, and characterized by a particularly radical discourse. According to reports in the local newspaper Sud Ouest, this period was punctuated by violent clashes between Renouveau Étudiant and opposing student groups. In 1996, Lavalette herself reported being assaulted, and shortly after, a “commando” of far-right activists from outside the university violently attacked left-wing students, leaving four injured. Lavalette denied involvement in the retaliatory attack, but her association with the group placed her at the center of a turbulent political climate.

Later, in the late 1990s, Lavalette briefly aligned herself with Bruno Mégret, who challenged Jean-Marie Le Pen’s leadership of the FN. This period represents a detour in her political path, but ultimately she returned to the fold of the RN. After a period raising her five children, she re-entered politics as a municipal councilor in Toulon in 2014, steadily climbing the ranks within the party.

A History of Hardline Views

While Lavalette now emphasizes consensus and local issues, her past reveals a staunchly conservative ideology. In 2015, she publicly supported a charter from the association Choisir la Vie, committing to abolish abortion rights should she come to power, as reported by Libération. She likewise expressed strong opposition to progressive reforms related to gender and globalization. A post on an extremist right-wing blog from the same year showcased her adherence to the rhetoric of anti-abortion movements. Archival images surfaced showing her alongside figures associated with the Algerian War and a nostalgic view of French colonialism, as highlighted by Les Jours.

This earlier stance contrasts sharply with her current campaign, which focuses on practical issues like road repairs and avoids explicitly addressing the core tenets of the far-right. This shift has led some observers to characterize her as the “face of the RN’s dédiabolisation” – a deliberate attempt to soften the party’s image and broaden its appeal. However, critics argue that this transformation is merely a facade, concealing a deeply ingrained ideological commitment.

The Shadow of Toulon’s Past

The RN’s previous tenure as mayor of Toulon, from 1995 to 2001 under Jean-Marie Le Chevallier, casts a long shadow over Lavalette’s campaign. Le Chevallier’s administration was plagued by corruption scandals and brought the city to the brink of financial ruin. This history makes voters wary of returning to the far-right, and Lavalette is acutely aware of the need to distance herself from this legacy. Her decision to run as an independent candidate, without prominently displaying the RN logo, is a clear attempt to mitigate these concerns.

Navigating Local Politics and Internal Conflicts

Lavalette’s rise within the RN has not been without internal friction. She has reportedly sidelined longtime party members, including Amaury Navarranne, a mentor who helped launch her political career. Sources within the party describe a ruthless ambition and a willingness to exploit divisions to advance her own position. This has created resentment among some long-standing activists who question her loyalty and leadership qualities.

Lavalette has demonstrated a tendency to exert pressure on the media, filing complaints against news outlets that publish critical reports and cutting off contact with journalists whose coverage she deems unfavorable. This behavior raises concerns about her commitment to transparency and freedom of the press.

What Happens Next?

As the municipal elections in Toulon approach, the outcome remains uncertain. Lavalette’s ability to successfully navigate the city’s complex political landscape and overcome the legacy of the RN’s previous administration will be crucial. Her campaign strategy, focused on local issues and a carefully crafted image, will be tested by voters who are wary of the far-right but also disillusioned with the established political parties. The election will serve as a key barometer of the RN’s success in its ongoing effort to broaden its appeal and gain power at the local level. The stakes are high, not only for Toulon but for the future of the RN as a whole.

Illustration de la Une par Mila Siroit.