On July 7th, France saw a surge of support for the Republic and its values in order to block the extreme right. Millions of citizens voted for candidates who may have been far from their own opinions. This gesture cannot be forgotten and requires action. It compels us to quickly implement conditions to push back against the extreme right by pursuing an alternative policy to address the anger and despair of millions of French people. This would involve not only social policies but also addressing fears, tendencies towards isolation, and the sense of abandonment expressed by our compatriots.
The undeniable outcome of these elections is that a large majority of French people do not want the extreme right to jeopardize their values. The first measures of this unprecedented National Assembly should focus on implementing safeguards to protect these values from potentially illiberal, authoritarian, discriminatory, and anti-democratic tendencies that could arise if the National Rally were to win. This republican mission should find strong support even in this divided legislature. It is crucial to act swiftly, as the threat looms closer. If no action is taken, the extreme right could gradually erode equality, freedom, and ultimately democracy without the need for constitutional revisions.
In countries like Hungary, Poland, and Italy where extreme right-wing governments have targeted minorities, culture, media, and social cohesion, the democracies have only survived thanks to checks and balances, such as decentralization in Italy. However, France, with its strong centralization and presidential system, is less equipped to defend itself. The recent dissolution by the inexperienced president has put the Fifth Republic to a stress test, with worrying results: the ruling camp loses elections, yet the resigning government remains in place, minister-deputies vote in the Assembly, and the winning coalition of the legislative elections is not called upon to form a government.
These events have tested the resilience of French institutions, highlighting the need to establish safeguards to protect democracy. While the voice of the people is essential for democracy, the vitality of strong republican institutions is also crucial. It is imperative to take measures to ensure the necessary safeguards are in place to protect the integrity of the democratic process. The challenges faced in the recent political landscape show the importance of upholding democratic values and protecting them from potential threats posed by extremist ideologies.
In conclusion, the recent surge of support for the Republic in France following the election results signifies a strong rejection of extremism by the majority of citizens. The imperative now is to take swift action to prevent the erosion of democratic values and freedoms. By implementing safeguards and alternative policies, the government can address the concerns and frustrations expressed by the public while upholding the principles of democracy and social cohesion. It is essential to learn from the experiences of other countries facing similar challenges and to adapt strategies accordingly to protect democracy and promote a more inclusive society.
