What’s happening
Eric Ciotti, president of France’s right-wing Republicans (Les Républicains), made headlines by calling for an alliance with the far-right National Rally (Rassemblement National). During an appearance on France’s TF1, Ciotti suggested aligning with Marine Le Pen’s party, marking a departure from decades of distancing from the historically antisemitic group.
Why it matters
This proposed alliance breaks a long-standing political tradition of shunning the far-right National Rally, co-founded by Jean-Marie Le Pen, known for his antisemitic comments. By suggesting cooperation, Ciotti aims to bolster the weakened Republicans against President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance. The National Rally’s significant win in the European Parliament elections demonstrates its growing influence, which has traditionally sparked concerns among Jewish communities due to their anti-immigration and Eurosceptic stance.
Historical context
National Rally (originally National Front) has a notorious past. Founded by Jean-Marie Le Pen, the party emphasized antisemitic rhetoric, which he intensified with statements downplaying the Nazi gas chambers and wronging the Nazi occupation as not “particularly inhumane.” Since taking over in 2011, Marine Le Pen has tried to scrub the party’s tainted image, distancing herself from her father and his inflammatory talk, but the underlying prejudices among its base persist.
Current scenario
Ciotti’s suggestion to unite with National Rally faces rebuke from prominent Republicans, reflecting internal divides within his party. Party leader Olivier Marleix demanded Ciotti’s resignation, while Gérard Larcher, president of the French Senate, echoed the sentiment. Criticism extended publically where Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin compared the move to the appeasement policies preceding WWII. This internal turmoil affirms how contentious the proposed alliance remains, threatening to splinter longstanding political alignments.
Reaction from Jewish communities
France’s Jewish community has taken notice and stands firmly against this potential political shift. The Union of Jewish Students of France (UEJF) organized a prompt gathering condemning Ciotti’s announcement with the message “De Gaulle is not Le Pen,” reinforcing a continuing fight against dangerous ideologies. The proactive stance of UEJF underscores the sustained vigilance and advocacy by Jewish organizations to maintain a discrimination-free environment in European politics.
What’s next
As France moves towards snap elections initiated by President Macron, the evolving dynamics between major political parties bear close watch. An alliance towards the far-right could reshape French politics, heightening concerns over elements of radical ideologies permeating mainstream practices.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.