“Marine Le Pen has positioned herself as the voice of the French people who feel left behind by globalization and unchecked immigration.” This quote reflects her strong anti-globalization and anti-immigration views, which resonate with many French citizens who are disillusioned by traditional political elites The American Conservative
Marine Le Pen, the figurehead of France’s far-right, gave one of her clearest signals yet that she might work with the newly appointed Prime Minister Michel Barnier. In an interview, Le Pen made it clear that her National Rally party doesn’t intend to create unnecessary roadblocks against President Macron’s latest choice for prime minister. This is a notable shift in tone, considering the contentious political landscape in France.
🔴🇫🇷INFO – Emmanuel #Macron et Marine Le Pen ont passé un accord secret pour la nomination de Michel #Barnier 1er ministre, assure le JDD, évoquant plusieurs sources en macronie et au #RN. Ce deal a été mené par Thierry #Solère, conseiller officieux du PR, 13 fois mis en examen… pic.twitter.com/jQdhxERhcS
— Brèves de presse (@Brevesdepresse) September 8, 2024
Barnier’s name is well known across European political circles—having served as both a minister and European Commissioner. However, his most prominent role came during the Brexit negotiations, where he represented the European Union as its chief negotiator. Now, as he steps into his new role, his views on immigration could play a decisive role in shaping his relationship with Le Pen’s party.
Le Pen, who has built her political career on a hard stance against immigration, found herself nodding in agreement with some of Barnier’s positions. Barnier, from the right-wing Republicans party, has previously suggested halting non-European immigration for a period of three to five years—a proposal strikingly similar to Le Pen’s own platform. “It’s clear that Michel Barnier’s views on immigration align closely with ours,” Le Pen remarked in her interview.
Her reluctance to outright reject Barnier’s appointment matters—especially in the delicate balance of power within France’s new parliament. With the parliament divided among left, right, and center factions, Macron’s pick for prime minister needs to navigate this fractured political landscape carefully. The potential for a vote of no confidence looms large, and any political cooperation, even if only tacit, could help ensure Barnier’s survival in office.
Marine Le Pen’s party supports “Barnier’s nomination by saying it would not immediately try to vote it down but made clear it could withdraw support at any point if its concerns on immigration, security and pocketbook issues were not met.”https://t.co/1jreMIz0Ky
— Casilli (@AntonioCasilli) September 8, 2024
On the left, however, there’s been no such acceptance. The New Popular Front, led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, was quick to denounce Barnier’s appointment. France Unbowed, the largest party in the left-wing alliance, even went as far as to accuse Macron’s camp of electoral manipulation, claiming that the “election had been stolen.” Their opposition to Barnier is fierce and suggests that the new prime minister will face significant resistance from the left.
As France braces for the political maneuvering ahead, Le Pen’s stance is being watched closely. Her non-obstructionist tone, especially on a prime minister with shared views on immigration, hints that the far right may play a more strategic role in the coming months—balancing between their own agenda and the broader needs of governing a divided nation.
More
- “Now, the dividing line is not between left and right but globalists and patriots.” Le Pen’s framing of the political landscape shifts the conversation from the classic left-right spectrum to one between national sovereignty and globalist ideologiesWikiquote
- “Marine Le Pen has an interest in having as puppet a government as possible, one that is entirely dependent on Macron so that she can criticize him every day.” This reflects her tactical approach, leveraging the weaknesses of Macron’s government to present her party as the true opposition The European Conservative
- “We are a great nation, which has a lot to offer to the world, but to offer something to the world, France has to remain France.” This statement underscores her focus on maintaining French cultural identity in the face of globalization and immigration A-Z Quotes and thyQuotes
- “The objective of these barbaric acts is to terrorize, to paralyze through fear, to subjugate or to censor. We must not be scared of words: this is a terrorist act committed in the name of radical Islamism.” Le Pen has consistently spoken against Islamic fundamentalism, particularly after terror attacks in France, framing her stance as a defense of free speech and French values Wikiquote
Major Points
- Marine Le Pen signals potential collaboration with newly appointed French Prime Minister Michel Barnier, a shift in her party’s usual opposition.
- Le Pen’s National Rally aligns with Barnier on immigration, especially his proposal to halt non-European immigration for 3 to 5 years.
- Barnier, formerly the EU’s Brexit negotiator, faces a divided parliament with opposition from the left, particularly Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s France Unbowed party.
- Le Pen’s stance could help Barnier navigate France’s fractured political landscape, offering stability amidst the looming threat of a no-confidence vote.
- The left remains fiercely opposed, accusing Macron’s government of electoral manipulation, further complicating Barnier’s role as prime minister.
RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
