President Emmanuel Macron on Monday issued a stark warning, suggesting that the ideologies of his far-right and hard-left opponents could lead France into a 'civil war.' He made these comments as the country prepared for its most contentious election in decades, an event that has plunged French politics into turmoil following a recent European vote where Macron's centrist party was trounced by the far-right National Rally (RN).

In a recent podcast titled 'Generation Do It Yourself,' Macron, 46, explicitly denounced both the far-right RN and the hard-left France Unbowed party. He criticized the far-right for creating division and pushing towards civil conflict and accused the hard-left of promoting communitarianism, which he warned could also lead to civil strife.

Jordan Bardella, the 28-year-old leader of the RN, has confidently stated that his party is ready to govern. Bardella, who has been credited with helping to sanitize the extremist image of the RN, announced his party's program, pledging to curb immigration and address cost-of-living issues. 'In three words: we are ready,' he declared, advocating for measures to boost purchasing power, restore law and order, and amend immigration laws to facilitate the deportation of foreign nationals convicted of crimes.

Bardella's economic proposals have not been without criticism. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal of Macron's Renaissance party dismissed the RN's economic plans, predicting disaster should they come to power. A TV debate between Attal and Bardella is scheduled for Tuesday, highlighting the high stakes and intense public interest in the upcoming election.

On the international stage, Bardella sought to clarify his stance on the Ukraine conflict, addressing concerns from European allies. He reassured them of his commitment to supporting Ukraine but emphasized that there are clear boundaries to this support. Bardella stated that while he favors continued logistical and defensive aid, he firmly opposes the deployment of long-range missiles or any military equipment that could escalate the conflict by directly striking Russian cities. Additionally, he ruled out the deployment of French troops to Ukraine.

Bardella's stance is notable in light of RN's historical ties with Russia, which have been a point of contention among critics. The RN's previous leader and likely presidential candidate, Marine Le Pen, has previously expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite these ties, Bardella underscored Russia's threat to France and Europe, warning of Russian interference in French affairs and France's interests in Africa, the Black Sea, and overseas territories.

Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu weighed in, accusing the RN of inconsistent positions on Ukraine and calling for greater clarity. He emphasized the importance of continued military support for Ukraine, including the provision of long-range missiles and howitzers, as essential for Europe's security.

The upcoming snap legislative elections, called by Macron in a strategic move, are seen by some analysts as a risk that could backfire. Should Macron lose control of parliament, he may be forced to share power with a prime minister from an opposing party. Marine Le Pen, a prominent RN figure, has even suggested that Macron should step aside if he loses the majority, although Macron has insisted he will not resign before his term ends in 2027.

As the election approaches, the differences between the parties' domestic and foreign policies are becoming ever more pronounced. Macron has pledged continued support for Ukraine and reinforced the importance of staying vigilant against Russian interference. Meanwhile, Bardella's promises of economic reform, robust immigration policies, and selective military support redefine the far-right's vision for France.

The culmination of these political maneuvers and public rhetoric highlights the volatile state of French politics. The electorate's decision in this pivotal election will shape France's future role both domestically and on the global stage.