Far-Right France

Description

France’s next presidential election is due by 2027 at the latest; and the far-right Rassemblement National is favoured to win.

Founded by the antisemitic Jean-Marie Le Pen, the RN—previously the Front National—was a fringe entity until daughter Marine took over. She ‘detoxified’ the party, then brought in telegenic young protégé Jordan Bardella as its face in the 2020s. Together, they echo voters’ economic grievances and disgust at French political culture, while blasting ‘mass immigration’ of Muslims and foreign ‘criminals’—all starkly reminiscent of Donald Trump’s strategy in winning the White House. France—central to the European project—is the far right’s next great prize.

In 2024, the RN became the largest party in both the EU Parliament and the French Assembly. In vivid, sharp prose, from the halls of power to the campaign trail, veteran correspondent Victor Mallet explains how the far right won over the country and became a government in waiting—one preparing to transform France, Europe and the world.

Reviews

‘A very readable, deeply reported examination of what could be the next great political upheaval to hit the West. Mallet understands the centuries-old history of the French far right, arguably dating back to its “defeat” of 1789, but he is also on top of the present, and has spoken to today’s most important actors. Read it to avoid future shocks.’ — Simon Kuper, author of Impossible City: Paris in the Twenty-First Century

‘Après Macron… Marine? With the next French political revolution predicted to come from the radical right, this is a smart, timely and clear-eyed guide to how the party founded by Jean-Marie Le Pen shed its pariah status, won over middle France and placed itself in pole position to claim the presidency.’ — James Coomarasamy, BBC radio and TV presenter

‘A compelling, vivid and indispensable account of one of the most consequential political developments for Europe in the twenty-first century: the inexorable rise of the French populist far right.’ — Sylvie Kauffmann, lead writer and columnist, Le Monde

‘Victor Mallet combines deep reporting and historical perspective to chart the National Rally’s move from the fringes to the very centre of French politics. Venturing far beyond Paris, Mallet delves into the anger and alienation of the provinces that drive the far right’s rise. A window into the political shifts transforming the country, this is the book that no one interested in the future of Europe can afford to ignore.’ — Saskya Vandoorne, Paris Bureau Chief, CNN

‘Victor Mallet deftly traces the origins of the French far right and lays out the stakes for the movement’s continuing rise. A must for anyone who cares about France and its future.’ — Lauren Collins, staff writer, The New Yorker, and author of When in French

‘An acute, punchy account of how the far right has taken the lead in French politics—and of the dangers that represents. A penetrating panorama, melding political analysis and grassroots reporting.’ — Jonathan Fenby, author of The History of Modern France

‘An indispensable and accessible introduction to the seemingly inexorable rise of the extreme right in contemporary France. It is entirely plausible that the Rassemblement National of Marine Le Pen will come to power in France in 2027. This lively and well-informed book by a seasoned observer of French politics explains why France finds itself in this situation and what it portends for the future.’ — Julian Jackson, author of France on Trial

‘For anyone interested in France as well as the future of Europe, Mallet’s book is essential reading. The urgency of his warnings is perfectly balanced with understanding and compassion.’ — Ruth Harris, author of Dreyfus: Politics, Emotion, and the Scandal of the Century

Author(s)

Victor Mallet is an award-winning correspondent who has spent decades reporting from Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia for the Financial Times and Reuters. The author of River of Life, River of Death and The Trouble With Tigers, he has interviewed politicians including Marine Le Pen and Emmanuel Macron.