France's Political Landscape Shifts Towards the Far-Right
The political dynamics in France are undergoing a significant transformation as the far-right National Regroupment (RN) party edges closer to power. The recent dissolution of the National Assembly by President Emmanuel Macron, following the RN's victory in the European elections, has set the stage for a potential far-right governance. This move has brought the RN, led by Marine Le Pen and prime minister candidate Jordan Bardella, to the forefront of French politics.
For the first time, many senior officials, diplomats, and business leaders are openly engaging with the RN, a stark contrast to the past when such interactions were discreet. Bardella has been actively campaigning in Paris, targeting the power elites and business community to garner support. Despite the RN's controversial stance on issues like immigration, Euroscepticism, and public spending, the possibility of their governance is being cautiously accepted by some of France's key decision-makers.
Economic Concerns Amid Political Shifts
The RN's economic proposals, including reducing VAT on energy and fuels and lowering the retirement age, have raised concerns among the business community. The Medef employers' association has expressed apprehension about the potential economic disruptions and the party's stance on the European Union. At a recent meeting in Paris, Bardella and his ally Éric Ciotti sought to address these concerns, but the response from the business leaders remained lukewarm.
On the other side of the political spectrum, the leftist alliance New Popular Front, represented by Éric Cocquerel and Boris Vallaud, also faced skepticism from the business community. Their proposals to increase the minimum wage and repeal Macron's pension reform were met with resistance. Despite the differing economic visions, both the RN and the New Popular Front are seen as potential disruptors to France's economic stability.
As France prepares for the legislative elections, the political and economic landscape remains uncertain. The far-right's rise to power appears increasingly likely, prompting both excitement and apprehension among various sectors of French society.
- Gérald Darmanin announced his intention to propose the dissolution of the ultra-right group GUD, a student union active in the 1970s and recently reactivated.
- The European Commission has highlighted excessive public deficits in several EU countries, including France, just two weeks before the legislative elections.
- The A13 motorway, closed since mid-April, is set to fully reopen to traffic on June 24, according to the Hauts-de-Seine prefecture.
- During the hajj in Mecca, 550 worshipers died due to extreme heat, underscoring the challenges of hosting large gatherings in hot climates.
