Rise of the Extreme Right: Implications for the Political Future of France

Document Type : Original Article from Result of Thesis

Authors

• Shahriyar Rahimli ¹
• Reza Jalali ²

¹ PhD Student in International Relations, Faculty of Political Science, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

² Professor, Department of Political Science and International Relations, Faculty of Political Science, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Highlights

Introduction

Political parties were established in France in the twentieth century after civil society had emerged there. Therefore, civic institutions such as associations, NGOs, newspapers, and trade unions have a longer history than political parties. However, as the legal and socio-cultural backgrounds were provided, these civic institutions, as the initial nuclei, were transformed into political parties. The French political system has been influenced by five republics, so have the political parties. The French political parties are strongly influenced by the electoral system of this country. The two-round electoral system has considerably reduced the number of major and minor parties in the French parliament. Minor parties are eliminated in the first round of elections and fail to reach the second round. Nevertheless, there is so much political emotion in France that each party, whether major or minor, finds an opportunity for activity. French parties are traditionally divided into three categories, namely right-wing, left-wing and centrist. This division is similar to that in other Western countries. The main political parties in France are the Socialist Party, the Republicans (Alliance for the Popular Movement), the National Front Party, the Communist Party, and the En Marche Party. In this country, the Le Pen-led National Rally party was ahead of elections in 2019 by garnering about 23 percent of the votes, followed by Macron with 22 percent of the votes. Another noteworthy point in this country is the growth of the Greens, who could garner 13% of the votes. This indicates a serious change in the political structure of this country, as its two main and traditional parties, namely the Socialists and the Republicans (center-right) experienced a sharp drop in the elections. According to some polls, Macron's presence in European Parliament campaigns is detrimental to his political party. It is noteworthy that the European Parliament elections, according to European citizens' public opinion, prioritize issues such as unemployment, climate change, and immigration rather than foreign policy issues or regional affairs. This is contrary to the US presidential election, where issues such as Iran and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) are considered critical. Accordingly, a variety of political currents, including populists, nationalists, and extreme rightists have emerged in France and other parts of Europe.

The question that arises here is: "How will the far-right parties affect the political climate of France?" Antialienism, anti-immigrantism, welfare patriotism, and emphasis on national identity indicate the far right's opposition to the presence of foreigners, especially Muslims in Europe. This can lead to the further spread of radical Islamism in France as well as serious obstacles to the process of integration of Muslim immigrants into French culture and society. Furthermore, the strengthening of extremist Islamism can also increase the terrorist acts. This study uses a descriptive-analytical method and analyzes the features of the far-right party in France with an emphasis on the Copenhagen school to explain the political climate of this country. The populist far right has gained overwhelming influence in politics in France, which has given rise to much controversy and concern in the academic and political circles of this country. Any description of the domestic political atmosphere of this country involves incorporating its prevailing crisis and instability, which is obviously rooted in its tumultuous history. This country has been suffering from political instability since the Great Revolution of 1789. Given the importance of this development and the impact of this discourse on the European integration project and its potential to further the economic and cultural gaps between European states, this paper explores the far-right parties in Europe, particularly in France.

Method

A descriptive-analytical research method was used in this study, and the required data were collected by using the desk method and analyzing the documents, consultative and interpretive views, books, articles, doctrines, and regulations.

Findings

Findings suggest that the rise of the extreme right in France can lead to the expansion of radical Islamism in this country as well as serious obstacles to the process of integration of Muslim immigrants in its culture and society. Moreover, the strengthening of extremist Islamism can increase the terrorist activities.

Conclusion

This paper aimed to investigate how the rise of the far right could affect the political future of France based on the knowledge of these parties and the security approach of this country towards them. The Paris terrorist attacks of Nov. 13, 2015 provided an opportunity for the far-right party in Europe to seek to gain power by highlighting the insecurity of society and under the guise of Islamophobia and antialienism. The emergence of this kind of attitude, or indeed a return to the era of identity and racial conflict in modern Europe, could mean the possibility of increasing pressure and imposing restrictions on Muslims. Islamophobia is an easy and accessible solution that radicals have resorted to. Strengthening the role and position of the far right in the future political and decision-making system of France could mean this country's distancing from the EU, its independence from other international organizations, and the undermined integration process in the EU. Strengthening the position of far-right parties in Europe will change the EU's policies. In addition, the victory of the far-right party in France has the potential to be followed in other countries as well.

The main features of the far-right parties in Europe are: opposition to the ruling structure and adopting a populist approach; opposition to immigration; nativism and emphasis on national values; opposition to the EU; and anti-Islamism, antigypsyism, and anti-Semitism with varying degrees in different countries. These parties consider their position beyond the ruling system in their respective countries, so if someone in a European society is dissatisfied with the ruling system, they will subconsciously be inclined towards these parties. Finally, French national identity and culture have been attacked under the guise of Islamophobia. In general, immigrants are regarded in the discourse of far-right parties as a threat in three dimensions. In the cultural dimension, immigration poses a threat to the cultural homogeneity and integration of immigration-friendly countries. In the economic dimension, the far-right parties believe that immigrants impose a heavy burden on European countries and rob their citizens of job opportunities. They consider a direct connection between unemployment and immigration.  In the ​​security dimension, immigration and crime are considered to be closely connected. The far-right parties argue that immigrants often resort to criminal acts.

Keywords

• Far right
• Populism
• France
• Crisis
• Parties

Main Subjects

• Futurology
• European Union
• Europe
• Political Sociology
• Movement