Expert Analyzes Shift in French Political Landscape as Far-Right Gains Acceptance

In a recent discussion with FRANCE 24 English, Jour Levy, an associate professor of political science at Berkeley, shared insights into the current political climate in France, highlighting the normalization of the far-right National Rally in French politics. Levy pointed out the historically low turnout in recent protests compared to past years, suggesting a growing acceptance of far-right ideologies among the French populace. He also commented on the political turmoil following President Macron’s call for a snap election, the disintegration of mainstream parties, and the potential implications of former President Hollande’s return to politics. Levy critiqued Macron’s gamble to dissolve Parliament and the possible outcomes of the upcoming elections, including the far-right’s chances of gaining an absolute majority and how they might govern if successful.

• Recent protests in France saw a significantly lower turnout compared to previous years, indicating a normalization of the far-right National Rally in French political life.
• The political landscape in France is experiencing turmoil following President Macron’s decision to call for a snap election, leading to a shakeup among traditional parties.
• Former President Hollande’s surprising candidacy for Parliament could be a strategic move aimed at preventing the National Rally from gaining an absolute majority in a potentially hung parliament.
• President Macron’s centralized decision-making and underestimation of the left’s ability to unite has positioned the left as a formidable opposition to the far-right, overshadowing Macron’s centrist party.
• The two-round electoral system in France does not preclude the possibility of the National Rally winning an absolute majority, challenging the traditional dynamics of French elections.
• If the National Rally succeeds in gaining power, their governance could be limited by economic realities and the French President’s retained powers, though they may still impact immigration and law enforcement policies significantly.
• Speculation about President Macron’s motives for dissolving Parliament, including a controversial theory that he may have underestimated the consequences or gambled on the far-right’s potential failure, was discussed.

France 24 is an international television network and news website owned by the French state.

Official website: https://www.france24.com/en/

Original video here.

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