France Far-right documentary: why are many young people turning to Marine Le Pen’s National Front?

Summary

In Aix-les-Bains, a group from France's National Front youth wing, led by 25-year-old law student David Berton, is rallying support among young people disillusioned by unemployment and traditional politics. While the National Front's image has evolved, with a focus on patriotism and a strong anti-immigration stance, many still remember the party's controversial past. At a rally, Marion Marechal Le Pen, a rising star in the party, passionately argues that France's culture is under threat, positioning the National Front as the solution to what they see as the failures of the global elite and mass immigration.

Takeaways

• 😀 A youth wing from the National Front, led by 25-year-old David Berton, is attempting to garner support in the town of Aix-les-Bains.
• 😀 The National Front has become the most popular political party among young people in France, largely due to the high unemployment rate (25%) among youth.
• 😀 Despite the party's rise in popularity, many older voters in Aix-les-Bains remain resistant, recalling the National Front's history of racism and anti-Semitism.
• 😀 The National Front has rebranded itself with a new emblem, the blue rose, and emphasizes its shift away from past extremism, though some still hold onto negative perceptions of the party.
• 😀 The National Front's leaders, like David Berton, are well-educated, with many of its members studying for college degrees, signaling a more polished and intellectual image.
• 😀 Brexit has impacted the National Front's political strategies, with members expressing admiration for the UK’s decision to leave the EU.
• 😀 Terrorism and political shifts in France have pushed the political center to the right, with the National Front capitalizing on these changes.
• 😀 The National Front uses social media effectively to promote its message, with many of its activities filmed and shared online.
• 😀 The party is fiercely opposed to immigration, proposing strict limitations on the number of immigrants allowed into France and advocating for the preservation of France's heritage.
• 😀 Marion Marechal Le Pen, the granddaughter of the party's founder, Jean-Marie Le Pen, plays a prominent role in the youth movement, advocating for anti-immigration policies and criticizing rivals like Emmanuel Macron for their globalist views.

Q & A

Who leads the National Front's youth wing in Aix-les-Bains?

The National Front's youth wing in Aix-les-Bains is led by David Berton, a 25-year-old law student.

What is the political landscape like in Aix-les-Bains during the election season?

Aix-les-Bains is a sleepy, retirement town with traditionally centre-right voters. However, due to a corruption scandal involving the right's candidate and the disarray of the Socialist left, traditional political options seem out of season, creating space for new parties like the National Front.

Why is the National Front gaining support among young people in France?

The National Front is gaining support among young people due to high youth unemployment in France, which stands at 25%. Over the past five years, support for the party has doubled among the youth.

How does the National Front's image differ from its past?

The National Front has worked to 'decontaminate' its image. This includes distancing itself from past racism and anti-Semitism, and presenting itself as a more modern and educated party with leaders like David Berton studying for college degrees.

What is the significance of the party’s new emblem, the blue rose?

The blue rose is part of the National Front's efforts to rebrand itself and distance from its controversial past. However, some critics, particularly older generations, feel this transformation is not enough to overcome the party's historical associations with racism and anti-Semitism.

How does the National Front use social media in their political strategy?

The National Front uses social media effectively, filming most of their actions, including stunts like the one on a bridge over the A43 motorway, to engage and mobilize supporters.

What is the National Front’s stance on immigration?

The National Front is strongly opposed to immigration, aiming to cut immigrant arrivals to just 10,000 people per year. They emphasize the preservation of France's heritage, especially from before the 1789 revolution.

What message does Marion Marechal Le Pen convey during her rally in Aix-les-Bains?

Marion Marechal Le Pen argues that France is under threat from Muslim immigration and criticizes Emmanuel Macron as a representative of the global elite who sees France as a cultureless void where people can enter freely.

How does Marion Marechal Le Pen view the National Front’s transformation over time?

Marion Marechal Le Pen believes the National Front's past extremism is no longer applicable, as the party now addresses issues that were previously unspoken, which are now part of mainstream political discussions.

How does the National Front compare to traditional political parties in France in terms of economic policy?

David Berton admits that the National Front’s economic policy closely resembles that of traditional parties, focusing on protectionism and state control. The key difference is the National Front’s focus on anti-immigrant sentiment and nationalism.