Kylian Mbappé, the captain of France’s national soccer team, issued a stark warning on Thursday about the “catastrophic” political situation in France as the country edges closer to potentially having its first far-right government since World War II. The National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, garnered approximately 33% of the vote in the first round of a hastily organized election, putting the party in a strong position to gain power.
Speaking from Hamburg, Germany, where France is set to play Portugal in the European Championship quarterfinals, Mbappé urged French citizens to vote in the upcoming second round of legislative elections. “I think now, more than ever, you need to get out to vote,” Mbappé emphasized. “It is an urgent juncture. We cannot let our country fall into the hands of these people. It is pressing — we saw the results, it is catastrophic.”
Mbappé’s call to action is not new; he had previously warned about the rise of political extremes during Euro 2024. However, his recent comments carry a heightened sense of urgency. “We really hope this is going to change,” he said, expressing his hope that voters would rally together to support the right party.
The snap election was called by President Emmanuel Macron after his party suffered a defeat to the National Rally in the European Parliament elections last month. Macron’s gamble that the far-right would not replicate its success in a domestic election appears to have backfired. Now, Le Pen’s rivals are scrambling to prevent the National Rally from winning an outright majority in the second round of voting.
The political situation in France has been a frequent topic of discussion among the national soccer team during Euro 2024. Ousmane Dembele noted that “the alarm bell has been sounded,” while fellow forward Marcus Thuram went further, stating that French citizens “need to fight daily so that the National Rally does not succeed.”
The National Rally has a controversial history, often associated with racism and xenophobia. This stands in stark contrast to the French soccer team that won the Euro 2000 title and the 1998 World Cup, which was celebrated as a model of diversity and unity. The team, composed of players of various ethnic backgrounds, was seen as a reflection of the French tricolor flag of blue, white, and red.
The urgency in Mbappé’s message is echoed by the broader political landscape in France. Candidates in the legislative elections are making their final push ahead of the decisive second round of voting. The campaign has been marked by hate speech, verbal abuse, and even physical attacks, highlighting the polarized nature of the current political climate.
The rise of the far-right has also raised questions about France’s future policies, including its support for Ukraine. Under a National Rally government, led by Marine Le Pen, there are concerns that the level of funding and support for Ukraine could change significantly.
President Macron has been vocal in his warnings against the far-right and the hard left, urging voters to choose more moderate options. However, the recent electoral results suggest that many French citizens are gravitating towards more extreme political positions.
The political uncertainty in France is not just a domestic issue; it has international implications as well. The potential shift in France’s political landscape could affect its relationships with other countries and its role in international organizations.
As the second round of voting approaches, the stakes are incredibly high. The outcome will determine not just the composition of the French government but also the direction in which the country will head in the coming years.
Mbappé’s call to action serves as a reminder of the power and responsibility that comes with voting. In a time of political uncertainty, every vote counts, and the future of France hangs in the balance.
Source: AP News
