France’s government has taken decisive action just days before crucial legislative elections, ordering the dissolution of several extreme right and radical Muslim groups. This move comes as President Emmanuel Macron’s pro-business moderate administration grapples with a turbulent electoral race marked by increasing hate speech.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced the shutdown of multiple groups on Wednesday, citing their promotion of extremist hatred and potential for violence. Among these groups is GUD, notorious for its violent and antisemitic actions, with historical support for far-right leader Marine Le Pen.
Le Pen’s National Rally party is leading the polls for the two-round elections on June 30 and July 7, while Macron’s centrist alliance trails behind. The outcome remains uncertain due to the complex voting system and possible political alliances.
Government’s Strategic Timing
The timing of the government’s announcement is significant, as it appears to signal a strong stance against extremism ahead of the elections. This is not the first instance of the French government dissolving groups deemed threats to security and human rights. However, the current political climate adds a layer of urgency and significance to these actions.
Among the targeted groups, Les Remparts has been accused of inciting hate and violence toward foreigners and non-white individuals. This group has been linked to a 2023 attack involving hooded far-right militants assaulting a civil society group at a conference on Palestine.
Another group, Jonas Paris, which purportedly supports France’s Muslim community, has been dissolved for promoting violence and discrimination against non-Muslims, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. The campaign has also seen a rise in antisemitic and anti-Muslim rhetoric.
Legal Battles and Political Alliances
Activist group SOS Racisme has filed a lawsuit against the creators of a widely circulated video mocking people of African origin and promoting racial hatred. The group highlights a growing trend of unbridled racism, exacerbated by the rising popularity of far-right parties in Europe.
With the potential for France to elect its first far-right government since World War II, other political parties are scrambling to form alliances and present candidates. Macron’s decision to call for these elections followed a significant defeat in the European Parliament elections.
National Rally’s Controversial Proposals
In a recent TV debate, National Rally president Jordan Bardella proposed abolishing free healthcare for foreigners and imposing stricter regulations on acquiring French nationality. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal criticized these proposals, arguing they reveal the party’s underlying xenophobic agenda.
Bardella’s National Rally also proposes reverting the retirement age to 62, though this would require 42 years of work for a full pension, effectively raising the retirement age for many. This stance contrasts with Macron’s recent increase of the retirement age to 64, which sparked widespread protests.
Bardella’s economic policies, including tax cuts for individuals under 30, have also faced criticism. Opponents argue these measures would disproportionately benefit the wealthy while burdening the poorest segments of the population.