Mass Protests Sweep Across France In Response To Far

TO SUMMARIZE

Presently, France is witnessing widespread protests as a coalition of left-wing parties, labour unions, student groups, human rights organizations, and anti-fascist activists mobilize against the far-right National Rally Party (NRP).  
The protests began on 9th June 2024, following NRP’s victory in European Parliament elections and President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to dissolve the National Assembly, prompting snap legislative elections. 
Thousands have taken to the streets in major cities like Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Toulouse to protests NRP’s far-right policies. While the protests have bene mostly peaceful, instances of clashes with police have been reported in some areas. 
The protests highlight the deep political divisions in France and the rising tension between nationalist and progressive forces within the country as it began with the 1st round of legislative elections on 30th June, 2024. 

CORE BELIEFS OF THE NATIONAL RALLY

• Euroscepticism & Nationalism: NRP strongly supports nationalism and is Eurosceptic. It advocates protection of French identity & culture, while resisting further European integration and reforming or leaving the European Union
• Anti-Immigration: NRP has a history of Islamophobia and actively connects immigration to Islamic terrorism & advocates significant cuts to legal immigration and stricter control of illegal immigration.
• Economic Interventionism: NRP endorses economic interventionism, protectionism, and government control of key industries such as health, education, transportation, banking, and energy.
• Law & Order: Endorses zero tolerance for breaches of law & order
   

DEMANDS OF THE PROTESTERS

• Opposition to far-right Policies: Protesters are afraid that NRP’s ascent could curtail civil liberties and minorities right and oppose its far-right, anti-immigration, and Eurosceptic policies.
• Progressive Alternatives: Calls have been made for progressive solutions for labour market, and promotion of policies that support workers’ rights and unionization.
• Promoted Causes: The demonstrators have vehemently promoted anti-fascism, environmentalism, pro-immigration, increasing the minimum wage and healthcare funding, LGBTQ+ rights, and pro-union policies.
• Preventing Ascent of National Rally Power: The results of 2024 European elections were rejected where NRP emerged victorious and resisted the consequent rise of authoritarianism. Additionally, they encouraged formation of coalitions between the left-wing and far-left parties to present a unified front to prevent NRP from gaining parliamentary power.   

POTENTIAL IMPACT OF A NATIONAL RALLY MAJORITY

If NRP gains parliamentary power, it would significantly affect France’s International relations on the following fronts: 

• Policy Implementation: NRP could enact anti-immigration, anti-EU, nationalists, and more isolationist foreign polices more easily.
• Government Control: Marine Le Pen or Jordan Bardella is likely to be appointed the Prime Minister and Cabinet. However, President Macron could still refuse to appoint the NRP’s nominee, resulting in a period of cohabitation with a prime minister and from a different party.
• Concerns about Civil Liberties:  Protesters fear that NRP’s victory could curtail civil liberties due to the party’s history of xenophobia and antisemitism, particularly affecting immigrants, Muslims, LGBTQ+ community, and minorities.
• International Relations: With its extreme policies, and its potential adverse stance towards the EU & NATO, it could lead to increased tensions and gridlock between France and EU institutions. Additionally, its core ideology of Russian admiration could disrupt European unity on the Ukraine issue.
• Weakened Global Leadership: France’s leadership role in European and global affairs could likely diminish as domestic political deadlock and inconsistent foreign policies could hamper France’s ability to effectively engage on the international stage. 

To conclude, the 2024 French legislative elections and the accompanying protests reflect a nation deeply divided. As France stands on the brink of potentially electing a far-right majority government for the first time since World War II, the stakes are high. An NRP victory could lead to significant changes in both domestic and international policies, affecting civil liberties, immigration, and France’s position within the European Union. The widespread protests underscore the intense opposition to the far-right’s rise, highlighting the demand for progressive alternatives. As the 2nd round of elections nears, the future direction of France remains unclear, with the nation closely monitoring if the political landscape will undergo a historic transformation