Macron's Ministers Warn of Civil Unrest Amid Far-Right's Rising Popularity in France

 

France may face civil disorder linked to upcoming snap parliamentary elections, with the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party expected to secure a significant share of the vote. Concerns about potential unrest were voiced by two key ministers from President Emmanuel Macron's centrist government on Monday.

Marine Le Pen's nationalist, anti-immigrant RN recently emerged victorious in European Union elections, prompting Macron to dissolve parliament and call for new elections. These elections will take place just before the Paris Olympics, starting on July 26.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire expressed their apprehensions regarding the far-right's electoral success and the ensuing polarization in French politics and society. "I fear for order, for relations between citizens, for serenity, for civil peace," Le Maire stated on France Info radio. He added, "I don't see the RN as a factor of stability and peace. I see it as a factor of disorder and violence."

Jordan Bardella, the RN leader who could become prime minister if his party wins, refuted claims that the RN could incite disorder. However, opinion polls indicate that the RN holds the lead ahead of the first round of voting on June 30, followed by the New Popular Front (NFP) in second place, and Macron's centrist Together group in third. A run-off election is scheduled for July 7.

Darmanin highlighted the potential for "extremely strong tensions," not only during the election period but also with the return to work after the August summer break.

The RN, formerly known as the National Front, has worked to shed its controversial past under the leadership of Marine Le Pen. Despite these efforts, critics remain concerned about the party and its fringe supporters.

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who is spearheading the centrist campaign, voiced fears that xenophobes might feel emboldened by an RN victory. He cited reports of a suspect in a homophobic attack claiming he anticipated a far-right win would make it easier to assault gay people. "You see a form of hate that would be liberated, authorized in a way," Attal remarked.

This situation draws parallels to the surge in hate crimes seen in Britain following the 2016 Brexit referendum, driven partly by anti-immigration sentiments. France itself has a history of riots and violent protests rooted in social divides, with the recent fatal police shooting of a teenager of Algerian descent sparking nationwide unrest last summer.