France elections: Who are the National Rally?

Summary

In France, support for far-right populism, particularly tough on immigration, is rising. Key figures include Jean-Marie Le Pen, founder of the National Front, and his daughter Marine Le Pen, who rebranded it as the National Rally. Marine has moderated the party's image, gaining broader appeal. Voters supporting the far-right often come from economically disadvantaged or high-unemployment areas, feeling neglected by globalization and mainstream politics. With a significant number of younger voters backing the far-right, upcoming elections could see major changes in France's political landscape.

Takeaways

• 📊 Growing support for far-right politics in France is linked to right-wing populism, particularly on issues of immigration.
• 🔍 The rise of far-right politics has historical roots, tracing back to the National Front and its successor, the National Rally, with figures like Jean Marie Le Pen playing a significant role.
• 🏛️ Jean Marie Le Pen's controversial history includes accusations of racism, Holocaust denial, and involvement in the Algerian War, which has left a lasting impact on French politics.
• 🌐 The Algerian War and the subsequent return of Pieds-Noirs to France have contributed to a sense of cultural and economic insecurity, influencing far-right voting patterns.
• 👥 Marine Le Pen, Jean Marie's daughter, reformed the party to make it more mainstream, expelling her father and changing its image to appeal to a broader audience.
• 📊 Economic struggles and unemployment in certain regions of France correlate with higher support for the far-right National Rally.
• 📉 In contrast, affluent urban areas like Paris show significantly less support for the far-right, with only 15% of the vote.
• 👶 A significant portion of younger voters, particularly those aged 25 to 34, are turning to the far-right, with nearly 50% voting for Marine Le Pen in the 2022 presidential election.
• 📈 The National Rally has seen increasing electoral success, winning over 31% of the vote in the 2024 European elections.
• 🔑 Jordan Bardella, the young president of the National Rally, uses social media effectively to connect with voters and represents a new face of the far-right movement.
• 🌍 The rise of right-wing populism in France reflects a global trend, driven by factors such as immigration, social media, and a sense of being left behind by globalization.

Q & A

What is the trend in France regarding the rise of far-right politics?

There is a growing support for right-wing populism in France, particularly with a tough stance on immigration.

Who founded the National Front and what were its core principles?

Jean Marie Le Pen founded the National Front, a party that opposed immigration and embraced a specific definition of French nationalism.

What is the connection between the National Front and the French war in Algeria?

Jean Marie Le Pen served in the Algerian War and later co-founded the National Front, which has historical ties to the French war in Algeria, especially with the 'pieds-noirs' community who felt a sense of cultural insecurity post-independence.

What reforms did Marine Le Pen implement in the National Front, and what was the outcome?

Marine Le Pen expelled her father, changed the party's name to the National Rally, and moderated the party's language to make it less confrontational, which led to an increase in its popularity and acceptance.

Why did Marine Le Pen join a protest march against anti-Semitism?

Marine Le Pen and her party members joined a protest march against anti-Semitism in response to a spike in hate crimes in France, demonstrating a shift in the party's stance on such issues.

What demographic trends were observed in the voting patterns for Marine Le Pen's party?

The data analysis showed that support for Marine Le Pen's party was linked to areas with lower incomes and higher unemployment rates, with a significant number of younger voters also supporting the party.

How has Marine Le Pen's party performed in recent elections?

Marine Le Pen's party won more than 31% in the 2024 European elections and has been narrowing the gap with Emmanuel Macron's party in presidential elections.

What is the role of Jordan Bardella in the National Rally?

Jordan Bardella has been rising within the party ranks, becoming the president of the National Rally and the EU's second youngest MEP, often using social media to connect with voters.

What are the key policies of the National Rally that appeal to voters?

The National Rally's key policies include a 'France first' mentality, prioritizing French citizens over non-French nationals for jobs, welfare, and housing.

What factors are contributing to the rise of right-wing populism in France and globally?

Factors contributing to the rise of right-wing populism include immigration, social media campaigns, anger over perceived government overreach, and a sense of being left behind by globalization.

What is the potential impact of the 2027 presidential election in France on the political landscape?

The 2027 presidential election in France could be a catalyst for seismic change, with the radical right moving from the margins to the mainstream.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 Rise of Far-Right Populism in France

The first paragraph discusses the growing support for far-right politics in France, particularly focusing on the National Rally, the successor to the National Front party. It delves into the history of far-right politics, starting with Jean Marie Le Pen, the founder of the National Front, who had a controversial past with charges of racism and alleged involvement in torture during the Algerian War. The paragraph also touches on the impact of the Algerian War on French politics, the concept of 'pieds-noirs' (black feet), French settlers in Algeria who later supported far-right candidates, and the shift of these voters towards the National Front due to historical grievances and a sense of cultural insecurity.

05:03

🔄 Transformation and Modernization of the National Rally

The second paragraph examines the transition of the National Front under Marine Le Pen, Jean Marie's daughter, who took over the party and initiated reforms to make it more palatable to the mainstream. She expelled her father, changed the party's name to the National Rally, and moderated her political rhetoric. The paragraph also discusses Marine's efforts to distance the party from anti-Semitism and xenophobia, her increased popularity, and the socio-economic factors influencing the party's support, such as lower incomes and high unemployment rates in certain regions. It highlights the shift in French political culture from identifying as workers to identifying as French and the party's appeal to various sections of society that felt unheard by the traditional elites.

10:06

📊 Demographics and Appeal of the Far-Right to Younger Voters

The third paragraph explores the demographic trends of the far-right's support base, noting a significant portion of younger voters, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, who are drawn to the National Rally due to concerns over living costs and national security. It introduces Jordan Bardella, the young president of the National Rally, who has leveraged social media to connect with this demographic. The paragraph also addresses the party's key policies, such as prioritizing French citizens over non-nationals in jobs and welfare, and the broader context of right-wing populism's rise globally, driven by factors like immigration, social media, and a sense of being left behind by globalization. The potential for a seismic shift in French politics during the upcoming 2027 presidential election is also alluded to.

Keywords

💡Far-right politics

Far-right politics refers to political ideologies, parties, and movements that advocate for nationalism, authoritarianism, and strict immigration policies. In the video, it is discussed as the growing trend in France, with the National Front and its successor, the National Rally, representing this ideology. The video highlights the shift from the margins to mainstream of these political views.

💡Right-wing populism

Right-wing populism is a political approach that seeks to appeal to ordinary people who feel that their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups. The video script mentions the growing support for this type of politics in France, especially with regards to immigration policies and a tough stance on cultural identity.

💡Jean-Marie Le Pen

Jean-Marie Le Pen is the founder of the National Front party in France, known for his controversial views on immigration and French nationalism. The script describes his history, including accusations of racism and his involvement in the Algerian War, which has contributed to the far-right narrative in French politics.

💡Pieds-Noirs

Pieds-Noirs, or 'Black Feet,' refers to French people who lived in Algeria during the colonial period and later returned to mainland France. The video explains how this community, feeling a sense of displacement and cultural insecurity, often votes for far-right candidates, aligning with the National Front's historical grievance politics.

💡Marine Le Pen

Marine Le Pen is the daughter of Jean-Marie Le Pen and a prominent figure in French far-right politics. She took over the National Front and later rebranded it as the National Rally. The script discusses her efforts to 'de-demonize' the party, making it more palatable to a broader audience while maintaining its core principles.

💡Cultural insecurity

Cultural insecurity is a sense of unease or fear about the loss of traditional cultural identity due to factors such as immigration or globalization. The video script connects this concept to the rise in support for the far-right, as voters feel threatened by changes in their cultural landscape and seek a return to a perceived national identity.

💡Economic stagnation

Economic stagnation refers to a period of little or no economic growth. The script suggests that areas with lower incomes and higher unemployment rates, such as the northeast of France, are more likely to vote for far-right parties, possibly due to dissatisfaction with their economic situation.

💡Social media

Social media is highlighted in the script as a tool used by far-right politicians, like Jordan Bardella, to connect with younger voters and spread their message. The video mentions how Bardella's TikTok presence helps him appeal to Gen Z and younger millennials.

💡National Rally

The National Rally is the rebranded name of the National Front party in France, led by Marine Le Pen. The script discusses how the party has evolved under her leadership, adopting a more normalized and less confrontational approach to politics while still advocating for far-right policies.

💡Youth voter

Youth voter refers to individuals within the younger demographic who participate in the electoral process. The video script notes a significant increase in support for the far-right among young voters, with nearly 50% of 25 to 34-year-olds voting for Marine Le Pen in the 2022 presidential election.

💡Globalization

Globalization is the process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence among countries, often leading to cultural, economic, and political integration. The script suggests that a sense of being left behind by globalization contributes to the disenchantment with the political establishment and the rise of far-right politics in France.

Highlights

Growing support for right-wing populism in France, particularly on immigration.

The rise of the National Front and its successor, the National Rally, in French politics.

Jean Marie Le Pen's controversial history and his role in founding the National Front.

The connection between the French-Algerian War and the rise of far-right politics.

The term 'Pieds-Noirs' and its significance in post-colonial French politics.

Marine Le Pen's reforms to 'de-demonize' the National Front and its rebranding as the National Rally.

Marine Le Pen's increased popularity and her party's performance in recent elections.

The correlation between economic hardship and support for the far-right in France.

The shift in political alignment among the 'Pieds-Noirs' community towards the National Front.

The role of social media in the rise of Jordan Bardella and the National Rally.

The demographic trends showing younger voters' support for Marine Le Pen's party.

The impact of living costs and security concerns on the appeal of the far-right to younger voters.

Critiques of Marine Le Pen's strategy and her ability to address French voters' concerns.

The global rise of right-wing populism and its drivers, including immigration and social media.

The potential for the 2027 French presidential election to bring about significant political change.

The mainstreaming of the radical right in France and its implications for the country's future.

Transcripts

in France more and more people are

heading to the far right there's growing

support for rightwing populism with a

particularly tough St on

immigration so who are these politician

who's backing them and should Europe be

bracing itself for change here's what

you need to

know this is enan bomo in northern

France a place where far-right

politicians have always tended to do

well going back to the National front

and now its successor party

thetion the national

rally but before we delve into where

those supporters are coming from let's

look at one family one Dynasty almost

whose DNA is threaded through far-right

politics in France John Marie Leen

founder of the FR naal a party that

opposed immigration but embraced his

definition of French nationalism it was

also co-founded by Pierre bus a member

of the French division of the buffan SS

the notorious military wing of the Nazi

party what started in the political

margins has become more and more popular

Jean Marie Leen was a paratrooper in the

Algerian War more on that soon he has

got a very controversial history

indicted on racism or racial hatred

charges at least six times including for

comments about the Holocaust and

France's Muslim

Community during the 1950s while leading

a special military intelligence unit

Leen appeared to admit ordering the

torture of Algerian detainees he later

recanted those statements and he's won

defamation cases against those who've

accused him of torture but over the

years the accusations had accumulated

and the violent history had stuck and

that's why we need to talk about the

French war in

Algeria you'll hear this term about

French people who returned to Mainland

France after that war they were pied

Noir or black feet people who settled in

Algeria during France's Colonial

occupation they had rights that the

algerians didn't

now many of them supported France in the

independence war that followed one in

which torture was used by France and

civilians on both sides were attacked

theal called a referendum in January

1961 in which 75% of the French in

France voted for algeria's

self-determination but not everyone

agreed and this is where Jean Marie Leen

comes back in having served in Algeria

he entered politics and co-founded the

national front in 1962 Algeria gained

its Liberation after 132 years of French

occupation more than a million settlers

returned from Algeria to France fearing

reprisals from the indigenous population

though French many had lived in the

former Colony for generations and had

never even been to France but they still

feel the shock of their forced departure

the pedir and their descendants often

voted for Far Right candidates it's not

it's not only a protest vote it's really

an ideological vote in the S it's a

sense of feeling of insecurity which is

very present in France the the pioir

having got kicked out of Algeria a land

which by the way some pioir not all of

them were colonialists who had been

there only for for 50 years some had

been there for much much longer

including since the Roman Empire uh and

uh these people getting kicked out of

Algeria and seeing people coming from

these places that had kicked them out

arrive starting in the

1970s uh that that has fed a sentiment

of cultural insecurity that has only

grown with time it would go with whoever

promises them um reparations and it's

only really in the

1990s that um the the pinoir as

Community now as a kind of an older

community of mainly older people based

mainly on on historical resentment

actually really shift heavily to the

National front of course they do this

because um their historical grievances

align very well with um with lupin's

sort of historical grievance politics

Jean Marie Lupen was a disruptor though

he ran for president five times and even

got to the runoff in 2002

where he suffered a huge Landslide

defeat at the hands of jacqu sherak now

for the next part of the Leen Dynasty

his daughter mine she took over the FN

and then in 2015 began a series of

reforms to detoxify the party Marine

Leen expelled her father changed the

name of the FR National to the less

confrontational the national rally and

tempered her own language

and she what we call in French de D

demonized it that is to say she

normalized it more recently she and her

party members joined a protest March

against anti-Semitism in Paris following

a spike in hate crimes in France

following the Hamas Le attacks on the

7th of October

2023 and the Israeli invasion of the

Gaza

Strip uh she did uh Purge the party from

um aitly anti-semitic aitly xenophobic

uh members she started uh to to speak a

language uh that was that sounded rather

reasonable for a far-right uh party she

mixed a lot of the what we would call

left Ling values and and indeed

Republican values of the left like

secularism like the weal of state it

operates within the the Republican

family that it's it's now uh a

Republican party and uh not the far

right um shadow of of her father so who

is voting for Marine Le Pen's party in

both 2018 and 2020 2 she lost the

presidential runoff against Emanuel

macron but the important thing is

between those two elections the Gap

narrowed Leen was becoming more popular

and more acceptable her party won more

than 31% in the 2024 European elections

that was more than the combined share of

Emanuel macron's Renaissance party and

the Socialist party's Coalition Sky News

data analyzed voting patterns in 96

French departments those are a bit like

counties in the UK and what we

discovered was that there was a link

between those voting for the far right

and areas with lower incomes like n in

the northeast of this country an area

where incomes are lower than the

national average where the cost of

living crisis has really hit home and

almost 60% of n residents voted for the

far right in Marine leen's own

constituency in padal in the Northwest

with a similar economic profile more

than half the voters backed her RN party

but it's a different story among more

affluent Metropolitan voters in Paris

the far rights share of the vote was

just

15% and we can see a similar Trend in

areas with high

unemployment in southern France on the

border with Spain the unemployment rate

stands stands at

12.4% in the pan Oriental there the far

right captured over 50% of the votes any

place I can number more that actually

used to be a lot more of a leftwing

stronghold um the very kind of long

process actually set into Motion in the

1990s um at a time um of you could say

political abandonment and more also um

in the southwest over the last few years

is a complete sort of transition

um of even culture so um kind of a um a

kind of a new culture of defining

oneself from before we the workers to we

the French and it has many reasons of

course one of which is is stagnation one

of it is fear that's only want you also

offers this very easy um you can say

discourse um that fault of everything

onto immigration her critics accuse Leen

of Simply spinning old with new language

and they question whether she does have

a strategy to address the concerns of

French voters she has managed to

aggregate the sentiments the uh

aspirations the fears as well of whole

Parts whole sections of French society

that to be honest the old Elites had not

listened to or had stopped listening to

or were not uh uh defending or were not

championing in their political SC what's

really interesting is the share of young

people who are voting for Theon National

in the 2022 presidential election just

under 50% of 25 to 34 year olds who cast

a vote opted for Leen compared to just

41% of the general population and a mere

29% of Voters aged over 70 so what's

happening here why are so many of

France's gen Zed and younger Millennials

voting for the far right about the the

cost of living because it's a very very

important subject and also uh live in

Security in their country it's also very

important for them uh for these two

subjects um I I think that many people

think that Marin Leen and Jordan badela

are the best uh personality to change uh

their the life we can't vote for them is

not for the it's not politic you know

it's about the past the Algerian War the

Jean Marie Leen Marine

Leen uh are not they are not make

politic they are make racism video edits

of the young president of the party

Jordan bardella often go viral on Tik

[Music]

Tok now bardel has extensive roots in

the Italian city of chin he says he

75% Italian he grew up on the crimer

riddled streets in the suburbs Northeast

of Paris but he went to a private school

now bellaa dropped out of sbor

University when he was just 17 in order

to join the gamon National saying that

he was inspired by Marine Leen he worked

his way up through the party and Le Pen

gave him his nickname The Lion CB bardel

Eclipse leen's niece Marion Mar sh long

seen as the eventual family successor

who then quit the party altogether to

back farri right rival presidential

candidate Eric zore in 2022 Leen made

bardel president of RN his meteoric rise

solidified when he became the eu's

second youngest me ever that same year

the Tik to politician regularly posts

videos of himself speaking to his 1.7

million strong

helping him connect with voters but does

he offer more style than substance he is

not even 30 he understands social media

clean face is a very um very sort of

smooth appearance that would be able to

follow party line was also recruited as

the face of the party as a way of

finding someone you can control

relatively easily um if you look at any

um internal agreement between Marine

Lupen and Jordan Barda Jordan Barda

doesn't really ever um try to fight back

um but this doesn't mean that it will

not change one of Bella's catchphrases

is France is disappearing it plays into

the RN's key policies defined by a sort

of France first mentality it means

French citizens should be given priority

over non-french Nationals for jobs

welfare housing a Doctrine Marine Leen

has continued from her father and with

voters fed up with macron's rule it is

striking a Accord the the insecurity is

much more economic and cultural but

cultural in the sense of this

International culture is kind of

breaking all of the social fabric around

them and this is what is leading to this

cultural insecurity so where does this

all leave us well all over the world

right-wing populism has been on the rise

but particularly in America and Europe

driven by immigration social media

campaigns anger over perceived

government overreach but also in places

like this a former coal mining region a

sense that voters have been forgotten

left behind by

globalization and France's particular

history feeds into that sense of

disenchantment in 2027 this country will

hold a presidential

election and there are many who think

that could be the Catalyst for seismic

change the radical right for so long in

the margins is now mainstream