In the small village of Rebergues in the Pas-de-Calais region of France, there is a sense of unease despite the village getting younger. With 450 residents, Rebergues is located between Boulogne-sur-mer and Saint-Omer. During the recent elections, there was a higher voter turnout compared to previous elections, with the Rassemblement national (RN) party receiving 58% of the votes in 2019. The councilor Magali Taufour notes that while the village is peaceful and undergoing a demographic shift, there is a feeling of discontent among residents who are tired of supporting others and believe there is too much welfare dependency.
Following their vote at the polling station, Jacques and Cathy, a recently retired couple, express their disappointment with the left and their green-leaning views. They opted for the Animalist Party in the recent election, as they believe in the party’s clear stance on issues. They discuss how their traditionally right-wing village has shifted towards supporting the RN, attributing this change to fearmongering tactics that target the elderly with stories of migrants committing crimes. In the Pas-de-Calais region, the RN has been making significant gains in small rural communities like Rebergues, which have populations of less than 1,000 residents.
The rise of the RN in rural areas like Rebergues reflects a wider trend in the Pas-de-Calais region, where the party has gained popularity in the countryside, away from the traditional strongholds in the mining basin. The support for the RN in places like the Audomarois countryside and the Ternois region can be traced back to the issues faced by small communities, such as economic struggles and concerns about immigration. The RN’s focus on national identity and border control resonates with residents who feel neglected by mainstream parties and are looking for change.
The discontent among residents in villages like Rebergues is fueled by a sense of disillusionment with the political establishment and a desire for change. The RN’s promise to address issues such as immigration, welfare dependency, and security appeals to residents who feel left behind by traditional parties. The demographic shift towards a younger population in villages like Rebergues may also be contributing to the changing political landscape, as younger voters seek alternative options to mainstream parties.
Despite the increasing support for the RN in rural areas like Rebergues, there is a sense of division and unease among residents. The fearmongering tactics employed by some parties, targeting vulnerable populations like the elderly with misinformation about migrants, contribute to the rift in communities. As villages like Rebergues navigate these changes, residents are grappling with complex social and political issues that reflect wider trends in France and across Europe. The challenge for political leaders and residents alike is to find common ground and bridge the divide to create a more inclusive and cohesive society.
