French Far-Right Party "Will Change National Governance Policy... Opposes Deployment to Ukraine"

Far-Right Party Leads in Polls Ahead of Early General Election

On the 15th (local time), protesters gathered at Place de la R?publique in Paris, France, condemning the rise of the far-right National Rally (RN). [Image source=Yonhap News]

Amid the upcoming early parliamentary elections in France, Jordan Bardella (28), leader of the far-right National Rally (RN), which is leading in the polls, criticized the Emmanuel Macron government and emphasized that if they win the election, they will change the direction of national governance.

According to AFP and others on the 24th (local time), Bardella said at a press conference announcing RN's policy stance, "Simply put, we are ready."

Bardella pointed out that France has weakened over the past seven years due to 'Macronism' and appealed to make RN the majority party to change the direction of national governance.

Regarding foreign policy, Bardella stated that while they would send military supplies and defensive equipment to Ukraine, they oppose deploying French troops to Ukraine or providing long-range missiles capable of striking Russian territory.

This stance contrasts with the Macron government, which actively provided Ukraine with long-range SCALP missiles, supported attacks on Russian territory using Western weapons, and deployed troops to Ukraine.

In particular, he reaffirmed his anti-immigration policy by stating that even those born on French territory would face stricter eligibility requirements for acquiring citizenship and that budget expenditures that could aid immigration would be reduced. He also promised to enhance purchasing power through price control, strengthen educational authority, and amend laws to facilitate the deportation of foreign criminals.

Earlier, President Macron decided to dissolve the parliament and hold early elections on the 30th and the 7th of next month after the far-right made gains in the European Parliament elections.

France, a semi-presidential system combining presidential and parliamentary elements, traditionally appoints a prime minister who has the support of the majority party or coalition. Depending on the election results, a "cohabitation government" could be formed where the president and prime minister belong to different parties.

So far, the far-right party is highly likely to win. Polls released over the weekend predict that RN will receive 35-36% in the first round of voting, the left-wing coalition New Popular Front (NFP) 27-29.5%, and the ruling party Renaissance's allied coalition Ensemble 19.5-22%.