The current period of turbulence in France, sparked by Emmanuel Macron’s decision to play politics, has led to few certainties. However, it is clear that the working class, particularly foreign nationals or those perceived as such, would be the first to suffer under a National Rally (RN) government. This is because they are often the ones hit hardest by the false promises of the far-right party, and also serve as scapegoats for its rhetoric. The potential tragedy of a government infused with hatred towards foreigners on the eve of the Olympics and Paralympics, meant to showcase France’s international standing, is the result of long-standing and shared responsibilities.
Since the early electoral victories of the Front National, now the Rassemblement National, in 1983, the party has thrived by capitalizing on xenophobia in two main areas: economic, with immigrants portrayed as taking French jobs and draining social welfare resources, and identity-based, claiming that France is losing its essence. Both right-wing and left-wing governments have responded to this pressure by continuously tightening laws on immigration and nationality. Figures like François Mitterrand, Jacques Chirac, and Nicolas Sarkozy have not hesitated to exploit these issues to divide their opposition or attract voters.
While Marine Le Pen capitalized on the emotions stirred by Islamist attacks, migrant crises, and urban violence, Emmanuel Macron initially took a more open approach to immigration, claiming it to be a positive factor economically, culturally, and socially. However, after his re-election in 2022, his tone shifted. A proposed immigration law was designed to divide the right and elevate the issue before the European elections. Despite aiming to show government action on a pressing issue, the law created a continuous controversy, showcasing the powerlessness of the government and potentially paving the way for the National Rally’s success in the elections.
The culmination of these events may lead to the rise of Jordan Bardella, the National Rally’s lead candidate in the European elections, and possibly even to his appointment as Prime Minister. The sequence of events has highlighted the dangers of allowing far-right rhetoric to dominate political discourse, and the importance of vigilance and a commitment to republican values in the face of such threats. As France navigates this turbulent political landscape, the fate of marginalized groups, particularly foreign nationals and the working class, hangs in the balance, with potential consequences for the country’s international image and social fabric. The choices made in the coming days and months will shape the future of the nation and define its stance on issues of immigration, identity, and social cohesion.
