In the latest French elections, the far-right has edged closer to power, signaling a significant shift in the political landscape. Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, has been a central figure in this movement, focusing her campaign on issues like immigration and national sovereignty. Le Pen’s strategy includes taking control of borders and visa policies, and changing citizenship rules to ensure that French citizenship is either inherited or earned.
Despite her strong showing in the European elections, Le Pen faces considerable challenges. The National Rally had a disappointing performance in the 2020 local elections, failing to capture major cities except one. This was a stark contrast to their breakthrough in the 2014 municipal elections, which marked a significant victory for the party and its leader.
To build momentum, Le Pen aims for a strong showing in the upcoming regional elections, currently planned for June. The National Rally has never managed to secure a regional presidency, although they came close in 2015. During that election, the Socialist party had to withdraw from some races to prevent far-right victories, a move known in France as “le front républicain” (the Republican front). This strategy has historically kept the National Rally from higher offices, as many French elections require a second round of voting, allowing opponents to unite against extremist candidates.
However, the Republican front is not foolproof, as evidenced by the 2014 municipal elections. The National Rally official stated that their goal is to “win one region, ideally,” with Marseille’s Southern region being the top contender. They aim to achieve results close to or equal to those of 2015.
Le Pen also has to contend with internal challenges, particularly from her niece Marion Maréchal, who is semi-retired from frontline politics but is suspected of preparing for a post-Marine Le Pen era. This creates a state of tension within the party, as every move by Maréchal is closely watched by Le Pen and her closest aides.
The far-right’s rise in France is part of a broader trend seen across Europe, where populist and nationalist parties have gained ground. This shift reflects growing discontent with traditional political parties and a desire for change among voters. The National Rally’s focus on issues like immigration and national sovereignty resonates with a significant portion of the electorate, who feel that these issues have been neglected by the mainstream parties.
Le Pen’s campaign has also been bolstered by the current political climate in France. President Emmanuel Macron’s government has faced numerous challenges, including the Yellow Vest protests, which highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with economic inequality and government policies. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these issues, leading to increased support for populist and nationalist movements.
The far-right’s success in the latest French elections could have significant implications for the country’s future. If the National Rally continues to gain support, it could lead to a shift in France’s political landscape, with more emphasis on issues like immigration and national sovereignty. This could also impact France’s relationship with the European Union, as the National Rally has been critical of the EU and has called for greater national autonomy.
In conclusion, the far-right’s rise in the latest French elections marks a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. Marine Le Pen and the National Rally have capitalized on growing discontent with traditional political parties and have focused their campaign on issues like immigration and national sovereignty. While they face considerable challenges, including internal tensions and the Republican front, their success reflects a broader trend seen across Europe. The outcome of the upcoming regional elections will be crucial in determining the future direction of French politics and the far-right’s role in it.
Source: Marion Solletty
