# Rassemblement National political controversies and strategy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rassemblement-national-political-controversies-and-strategy > Updated: 2026-09-12T04:08:12.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. The Rassemblement National (RN) is navigating internal controversies and strategic shifts in France. In southern France, the party has faced criticism regarding its rhetoric and members. In the Gard department, the Club de la presse et de la communication du Gard denounced attacks by RN leader Julien Sanchez, who described the local press as ‘subsidized and under orders’ of the municipal government. Additionally, in Carcassonne, controversy arose following the release of a video depicting municipal police officers making racist, homophobic, and sexist remarks. One officer involved was identified as a former RN volunteer. Concurrently, the RN is implementing a new political strategy to expand its influence into French suburbs. Led by MEP Philippe Olivier and MP Hanane Mansouri, the initiative seeks to compete with La France insoumise (LFI) by integrating security measures with social issues such as public safety, drug trafficking prevention, social housing, and local infrastructure. This shift aims to broaden the party's appeal from its traditional rural strongholds to diverse urban populations. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-12: Rassemblement National targets French suburbs with new political strategy The Rassemblement National is launching a political offensive in French suburbs, focusing on security, social housing, and drug trafficking to compete with La France insoumise. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rassemblement-national-targets-french-suburbs-with-new-political-strategy ### 2026-09-10: Rassemblement National faces controversies in Gard and Carcassonne The Rassemblement National faces backlash in France over allegations of attacking press independence in Gard and a controversy involving racist and sexist remarks by a municipal officer in Carcassonne. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rassemblement-national-faces-controversies-in-gard-and-carcassonne --- Cite as: Rassemblement National political controversies and strategy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rassemblement-national-political-controversies-and-strategy