right-wing party led by Marine Le Pen National Rally (RN) has won the first round of surprise parliamentary elections called by President Emmanuel long mark In France. This has brought the party closer to forming a government. Leader of RN Marine Le Pen Now she wants her young disciple Jordan Bardella to become Prime Minister.
pushing the news
pushing the news
- The 65% turnout in the first round reflected French voters’ frustration over issues such as inflation, low incomes, immigration and dissatisfaction with Macron’s leadership.
- Marine Le Pen’s National Rally, known for its anti-immigration stance, received nearly a third of the national vote, dealing a blow to centrist President Emmanuel Macron.
- The RN promised to address concerns such as high petrol prices, unemployment, and the adoption of French culture.
- But in cities like Marseille where large numbers of immigrants live, many worry that racist rhetoric will increase if the RN comes to power. They fear it will disrupt cosmopolitan lifestyles and end welfare aid.
- French media have highlighted the risk of France moving to the right. Leading newspaper Le Monde said the second round would be “absolutely decisive”. The daily Liberation urged voters to unite to stop the RN’s march to power.
big picture
- If the National Rally wins an absolute majority in the second round, it could install France’s first far-right government since World War II.
- The results could lead to policy changes. Jordan Bardella, a potential candidate to become France’s next prime minister, has said that people with dual citizenship should be barred from holding certain key government positions if his party comes to power, reports Al Jazeera. Bardella, 28, has also strongly criticised the densely populated Seine-Saint-Denis suburb north of Paris, where he grew up.
- “I have deeply experienced the feeling of being a foreigner in my own country. I have also experienced the Islamization of my neighborhood,” Bardella said in June.
- Meanwhile, Le Pen has called for a ban on the hijab in public places, while Bardella has described the veil as an “instrument of discrimination”.
- The election has polarised France, with many voters frustrated by inflation and economic hardship turning to the National Rally in the hope of change. However, critics warn that the party’s confrontational approach to the EU and proposed rollbacks on civil liberties could lead to social discord and economic instability.
why it matters
- The RN government has promised to drastically reduce immigration and take a tough stance on EU rules
- A victory for the National Rally could radically alter France’s social and political landscape, particularly impacting the Muslim population.
- The party’s platform includes policies that many consider discriminatory and Islamophobic, such as banning the hijab in public places and questioning the rights of French-born people to citizenship.
- The fear is that these measures will institutionalise discrimination and marginalise people.
Muslims Ahead.
What are they saying?
- The potential rise of the far-right has generated strong reactions:
- Prime Minister Gabriel Attal: “The far right is at the doorstep of power. Not a single vote must go to the National Rally.”
- Jean-François Pépin, a special needs teacher in Marseille: “We risk the spread of racist speech in public services.”
- Omeima, a student: “I’m actually thinking about leaving because if the National Rally reaches a majority, it’s undeniable: we’ll have to leave. We won’t have that many options.”
Why are Muslims alert?
- For French Muslims, the prospect of a RN government has raised fears of rising Islamophobia and discrimination.
- Many worry that banning the hijab and giving priority to non-immigrant citizens will make life very difficult. Some are worried that they may have to leave their beloved country. They blame the right-wing policies of the current government for the success of RN.
- “As far as I know, if the National Rally comes to power, many Islamophobic bills will be passed,” said Zaineb, a student. “We feel we are targeted because we wear veils,” she told Middle East Eye. “We feel we are bothering people, even though we live our lives just like all other citizens. I was born in France, and I never thought Islam would become such a big problem here.”
- “The situation is very serious… a situation of apartheid is being created,” a lawyer named Maria told MEE.
- Omeima, also a student, expressed conflicting feelings. “This is a country we love – we were born here, and it’s very difficult to tell ourselves that, despite having grown up here, we don’t have a choice to stay here,” she told MEE.
- Elias, a 27-year-old marketing professional, said many Muslims in France are considering leaving the country if the National Rally party comes to power. This sentiment has already led some skilled workers to leave the country.
- Elias told Al Jazeera: “What worries me most is a possible increase in police violence. There will probably be an increase in racial discrimination and violence, because officers will feel protected and supported by the National Rally. I’m scared for my little brother, who is 15 and had his first police investigation when he was only 13.”
what will happen next
- A decisive second round of voting will determine whether the National Rally can form a government.
- Opponents are strategizing to consolidate votes against the right-wing party, and are urging candidates to withdraw to prevent the anti-rally vote from being split.
- However, if the National Rally gains enough seats, it could implement policies that many fear would undermine France’s democratic ideals and civil liberties.
- The outcome of this election could set a precedent for far-right movements across Europe, and influence political dynamics beyond France.
(with inputs from agencies)
