Feminist Associations Mobilize Against National Rally
More than 200 feminist associations, including Women's Foundation, Family Planning, and #Noustoutes, are calling for demonstrations this Sunday against the National Rally (RN). These groups denounce RN's 'facade feminism' and the 'real danger it represents' for women's rights. NGOs and unions will join the protests in Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Clermont-Ferrand, Poitiers, and Nice. The procession in Paris will start at 2:30 p.m. from Place de la République.
Concerns Over Women's Rights Under RN Leadership
Suzy Rojtman, spokesperson for the National Collective for Women's Rights (CNDF), expressed grave concerns about the potential impact on women's rights if the RN wins the upcoming legislative elections. She pointed to examples from Italy and Poland, where far-right governments have led to significant setbacks in women's rights, including restricted access to abortion. Clémence Pajot of the National Federation of Information Centers on the Rights of Women and Families (FNCIDFF) fears that an RN majority could result in cuts to public subsidies, directly impacting projects related to sexual violence, integration, and professional equality.
National Rally's Response and Promises
Jordan Bardella, president of the RN, rejected these accusations as 'caricatures' and 'lies.' In a video message, Bardella promised to guarantee the 'rights and freedoms' of all women and girls in France, emphasizing non-negotiable principles such as gender equality, freedom of dress, and the right to dispose of one's body. However, feminist groups accuse the RN of 'instrumentalization' and 'feminist imposture,' citing the party’s inconsistent voting record on issues like equal pay for women and men.
- The RN, led by Jordan Bardella, is currently the favorite in the early legislative elections, according to an Ipsos poll. The RN, allied with the Republicans of Eric Ciotti, is projected to secure over 35% of the votes in the first round, ahead of the New Popular Front at 29.5%. The presidential majority has 19.5% of the votes.
- In response to the feminist associations' accusations, Bardella emphasized that the RN aims to fight against medical and particularly gynecological deserts and promised to strengthen sanctions against violence towards women. Despite these promises, feminist groups remain skeptical, pointing to the RN's past actions and statements as evidence of their concerns.
