In the lead-up to France's parliamentary elections, a significant controversy has emerged involving Serge Klarsfeld, a renowned 'Nazi hunter' and defender of Jewish deportees' causes. Klarsfeld made headlines with his declaration that he would support Marine Le Pen’s Rassemblement National (RN) over the left-wing La France Insoumise (LFI) if it came down to a duel between the two. This endorsement comes despite Klarsfeld historically, and typically, voting for centrist parties.
Klarsfeld's rationale hinges on his belief that RN has evolved to support Jewish people and the State of Israel, whereas he accuses LFI of harboring anti-Semitic tendencies and violent anti-Zionism. His comments have ignited a firestorm of reactions across the political spectrum. Marine Le Pen, the RN leader, seized the moment to praise Klarsfeld’s statement, emphasizing a need to resist what she perceives as the greater threat posed by the extreme left.
On the other hand, prominent left-wing figures such as Manuel Bompard, national coordinator of LFI, have voiced intense dissent. Bompard criticized Klarsfeld's endorsement as a 'loss of values and benchmarks', highlighting the LFI's commitment to fighting anti-Semitism, racism, and Islamophobia. François Bayrou, president of MoDem, also expressed disappointment, suggesting that those who abandon their commitments are the source of discord.
Historically, Jean-Marie Le Pen, Marine’s father and co-founder of the original Front National, had a long record of making controversial statements, including downplaying the Holocaust. Marine Le Pen has since tried to distance her party from its far-right past, including renaming it Rassemblement National in 2018 and expelling her father from the party in 2015.
However, despite these efforts at 'de-demonization', RN’s manifesto still includes proposals that target immigrants and religious freedoms, which has continued to generate apprehension among Jewish communities and other minority groups. Chief Rabbi of France Haïm Korsia and president of Crif, Yonathan Arfi, have yet to publicly respond to Klarsfeld's endorsement, though both have previously voiced concerns over RN’s policy positions.
The controversy underscores the complex and often contentious nature of French politics, especially in the realms of religious and national identity. With the parliamentary elections set for late June and potential run-offs in early July, the statements and endorsements from influential figures like Klarsfeld could sway voter sentiment significantly.
- Serge Klarsfeld, alongside his wife Beate, gained recognition in the 1970s for their efforts in tracking down Nazi criminals. Notable among their successes was the capture of Klaus Barbie, the notorious 'Butcher of Lyon'. Their work positioned them as leading figures in the fight for justice for Holocaust victims.
- Marine Le Pen’s efforts to moderate RN’s image included breaking ties with Germany's AfD party following revelations of far-right extremist activities. Jordan Bardella, RN’s leader during the European elections, announced the parting of ways after an AfD candidate's controversial statements regarding the SS.
