Is France really at risk of civil war because of the extreme right and the extreme left, as Macron claims? – Firstpost

Just three days before the first round of France’s early elections, French President Emmanuel Macron has made some bold statements. Macron warned on Monday that a victory for the far left or the far right could trigger a “civil war.”

Macron targeted Marine Le Pen’s far-right Rassemblement National party and the far-left Indomitable France party.

But why does the French president see the possibility of civil war? And should his words be taken at face value, given his personal interests in the upcoming elections? We explain.

Potential for civil war

Macron argues that the policies of both extremes are exacerbating social divisions and that this could lead to civil wars.

The emphasis on national identity and strict immigration controls by the Rassemblement National (Rassemblement National) led by far-right Marine Le Pen may lead to the alienation and exclusion of immigrant communities, thus fuelling resentment and social tensions.

On the other hand, the focus of the radical left party La France Inconquered on economic redistribution and minority rights may be perceived as threatening by those who feel excluded from these policies. This is especially true for the middle and upper classes, who may feel that these policies are damaging to their prosperity.

There is actually some truth in Macron’s statements about the political positions of these extremist parties. Here’s a look at it.

Divisive politics of the extreme right

The Rassemblement National is known as an anti-immigration and anti-Islam party.

The party advocates a significant reduction in immigration and stricter border controls. It even advocates giving French citizens priority when looking for work and receiving social benefits. Marine Le Pen herself calls for the abolition of birthright citizenship and stricter measures to combat illegal immigration. The deportation of convicted foreigners is also on her agenda.

French society is very diverse. However, the Rassemblement National is adamant that immigrants integrate into French culture. On the surface, this policy is about adopting French values ​​and norms. In practice, however, it often translates into measures that limit the visibility of non-Christian religious symbols and practices in public. The obsession with banning the hijab and other Islamophobic rhetoric stems from this mindset.

Notably, the Rassemblement National also promotes a type of nationalism that can be exclusionary for the non-French population.

In an interview with the podcast “Generation Do It Yourself,” Macron said: “I think that the solutions of the extreme right are out of the question because they categorize people according to their religion or origin and therefore lead to division and civil war.”

Exclusionary politics of the left

The France Without Borders party of hardline leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon advocates policies aimed at reducing economic inequality through higher taxes on the rich, increased social spending and stronger workers’ rights. The party supports extensive public services and social programs.

It also strongly opposes austerity measures and advocates significant public investment in housing, education and health care to reduce socio-economic inequalities.

France Insequent supports policies that promote the rights and inclusion of ethnic and religious minorities. They have opposed measures they see as discriminatory, such as banning religious symbols in public places. The party has criticized Israel’s war in Gaza – a stance that has made it popular with some Muslim voters.

Macron referred to allegations that the far-left party was focusing on certain issues to appease minority voters, saying it was promoting a type of communitarianism that could also lead to civil war.

Treat Macron’s statements with caution

Given Macron’s interest in maintaining his centrist position, his statements about the potential for civil war should be viewed with some skepticism.

Macron’s warnings can be seen as part of his campaign strategy to boost support for his centrist coalition by pointing out the dangers of extreme politics, PoliticoBy portraying the election as a choice between stability (his government) and chaos (his opponents), he hopes to win over moderate voters who are disillusioned with his government but wary of the extremes.

“When you are fed up and daily life is hard, you can be tempted to vote for the extremes that offer quicker solutions. But the solution will never be to reject others,” he said in a thinly veiled appeal to voters to vote for his own party.

Both the far right and the far left accuse Macron of scaremongering. Marine Le Pen’s Rassemblement National and Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s France Unbowed argue that Macron’s policies have failed to address the root causes of social discontent, such as economic inequality and social justice issues, and have thereby exacerbated divisions.

With contributions from agencies

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