Rebranding Populism: The Transformation of the Front National in France

International audienceThis paper examines the recent transformation of the French Front national (FN) under the leadership of Marine Le Pen, and assess to which extent the so-called 'de-demonization' strategy has altered the party's core ideology, party system status and primary goals. The analysis suggests that the FN has maintained its niche status and populist radical appeal, while simultaneously seeking to shed its extremist profile to broaden its base of support. In recent elections, the FN has indeed enlarged its support base, making significant inroads into previously unchartered electoral territories. The party currently shows bright electoral prospects in th 2014 municipal and European elections