Big Bang of Authority

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Lerato Khumalo

While President Emmanuel Macron warns of a “civil war,” France’s far-right parties are refining their election promises. Some of them sound like threats.

Less than a week before the first round of the parliamentary elections in France, President Macron has described the parties on the right and left fringe as a threat to the country. The political programs of the right-wing populists and the left-wing populists could lead to a “civil war,” he said.

Less than a week before the first round of the parliamentary elections in France, President Emmanuel Macron has described the parties on the right and left as a threat to the country. The political programs of the right-wing populist Rassemblement National (RN) and the left-wing populist party La France Insoumise (LFI) could lead to a “civil war,” he said in a podcast on Monday. Meanwhile, RN leader Jordan Bardella reiterated that he is aiming for the office of prime minister. His party is “ready” to take power.

Macron said in the podcast “Generation Do It Yourself” that the RN is “dividing society and driving it towards civil war.” La France Insoumise is proposing a “form of communitarianism.” This too could lead to civil war, the president added.

RN leader Bardella criticized the comments: “A President of the Republic should not say something like that,” he told broadcaster M6. He wanted to “restore security for all French people,” Bardella added.

After his party’s defeat in the European elections, Macron called for early parliamentary elections on June 30 and July 7. In the polls, the RN is ahead with 35 percent, followed by the left-green electoral alliance New Popular Front with just under 30 percent. Macron’s government camp is lagging behind at around 20 percent.

  • Read more about the looming debacle for Macron here
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Bardella, here at a campaign event, sits in the European Parliament for the Rassemblent National (RN). (Source: NurPhoto/Getty Images)

RN leader Bardella confirmed at the presentation of his election program in Paris that he was aiming for the office of prime minister. However, he only wanted to take on this role if he had an absolute majority in the National Assembly. If his camp got an absolute majority, he would aim for a “government of national unity” to which he would also appoint representatives of civil society. “We are ready,” said Bardella, referring to taking power after the election.

RN candidate wants “red lines” for Ukraine

The right-wing populist rejected the warning issued by Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) against a victory for the right-wing populists in France. “These are political reservations from a political competitor with whom we do not agree,” said Bardella. If he becomes head of government, however, he would definitely like to “start a conversation with the Chancellor,” said the 28-year-old.

Bardella reiterated that Ukraine should continue to receive support in principle. However, he described the delivery of long-range missiles and the deployment of French ground troops to Ukraine as a “red line”.

Because of his admiration for Marine Le Pen, Bardella joined the Rassemblent National (RN) at the age of 16.Enlarge the image
Because of his admiration for Marine Le Pen (l.), Bardella joined the Rassemblent National (RN) at the age of 16. (Source: FRANCOIS LO PRESTI/Getty Images)

At the same time, he announced a more self-confident French presence in the EU. In particular, he wants to negotiate a reduced French contribution to the EU budget, said the party leader of the Rassemblement National (RN).

Macron, meanwhile, stressed his country’s “unequivocal determination” to continue to support Ukraine in its defensive war against Russia. The president said he was not weakened on the diplomatic stage and that he would continue to set France’s course on Ukraine policy, even if he may have to come to terms with a prime minister who is less committed to supporting Kyiv after the election.

Bardella: School uniforms back nationwide

With regard to domestic policy, RN leader Bardella announced that if his party wins the election, certain professional bans would be imposed on French people with dual nationality. “Strategic state positions will be reserved for French nationals,” said Bardella. This will serve to “protect against foreign attempts at interference.”

Emmanuel Macron: His party alliance is threatened with a bitter defeat in the new elections.Enlarge the image
Emmanuel Macron: His party alliance is threatened with a bitter defeat in the new elections. (Source: IMAGO/Stephane Lemouton / Bestimage)