What are Macron's concerns about the hard-left France Unbowed?
What are the potential consequences if RN or France Unbowed gains significant power?
As France gears up for its most polarizing parliamentary elections in decades, President Emmanuel Macron has issued a stark warning against voting for the far-right National Rally (RN) or the hard-left France Unbowed, suggesting their policies could lead to "conflict and civil war ."
"Macron accuses France Unbowed of creating divisions within society by emphasizing religious and ethnic identities for electoral purposes.
Marine Le Pen, leader of the RN, dismissed Macron's arguments as weak and indicative of his fear of losing the election.
Why did Macron call for snap elections?
What are Macron's main criticisms of the
far-right
National Rally?
What are Macron's concerns about the hard-left France Unbowed?
How are other political leaders responding to Macron's warnings?
What is the current political landscape ahead of the elections?
What are the stakes of these parliamentary elections for Macron?
What are the potential consequences if RN or France Unbowed gains significant power?
As France gears up for its most polarizing parliamentary elections in decades, President Emmanuel Macron has issued a stark warning against voting for the far-right National Rally (RN) or the hard-left France Unbowed, suggesting their policies could lead to "conflict and civil war ." Macron's comments come amid a highly charged political atmosphere, with key elections set for June 30 and July 7.In an interview with the French podcast "Generation Do It Yourself," Macron stated that the policies of both the RN and France Unbowed would exacerbate existing tensions in society, addressing "real problems" by "increasing conflict and civil war." He specifically criticized RN's policies as an "impoverishment program," claiming they would impose hidden taxes and strain the country's pension system. Meanwhile, he accused France Unbowed of exploiting community tensions for electoral gain, reducing people to their religious or ethnic identities.Macron called snap elections after his centrist alliance suffered a significant defeat in the European Union elections earlier this month. The parliamentary elections, originally scheduled for later, have been moved up to June 30 and July 7 to address the shifting political landscape.Macron argues that the National Rally's policies, detailed by party president Jordan Bardella, would lead to civil war and financial instability. He claimed their policies represent "an impoverishment program, because it’s several thousand euros in hidden taxes every day and an impossibility of paying pensions and paying employees well."Macron accuses France Unbowed of creating divisions within society by emphasizing religious and ethnic identities for electoral purposes. He suggests this strategy could result in civil unrest, as it "reduces people to their religious or ethnic group."Leaders from both the left and right have condemned Macron's remarks. Marine Le Pen, leader of the RN, dismissed Macron's arguments as weak and indicative of his fear of losing the election. Patrick Kanner, head of the centre-left Socialists in the Senate, criticized Macron for no longer having control over the situation, while Jean-Luc Mélenchon of France Unbowed accused Macron of inciting tensions.Polls suggest a highly competitive race, with RN polling at around 36 per cent support, the left-wing New Popular Front at 29.5%, and Macron's centrist camp at 20.5 per cent. The complex voting system and potential alliances further add to the uncertainty of the election outcome.The elections are crucial for Macron as they will determine the legislative support he has for his policies during his second term. A strong showing by either the far-right or the hard-left could severely limit his ability to govern effectively and implement his agenda.Macron warns that significant gains by either extreme could destabilize the country. He believes RN's economic policies would lead to financial strain and social services' degradation, while France Unbowed's approach to community tensions could foster societal divisions and unrest.(With inputs from agencies)
