Exploring the Possibility of Marine Le Pen Becoming the Next French President
Photo: Reuters
France, known for its vibrant political landscape, is no stranger to surprises during its presidential elections. Over the years, the rise of Marine Le Pen, the leader of the National Rally party, has sparked significant debate and speculation about the possibility of her becoming the next French president. While political outcomes are inherently unpredictable, it is worthwhile to examine the factors that could contribute to Le Pen’s chances in the future. One of the primary factors working in favor of Marine Le Pen is the global rise of populist sentiment and the subsequent shift in political ideologies. In recent years, there has been a surge in right-wing populism across Europe, and France has not been immune to this trend. Le Pen’s nationalist, anti-immigration stance has resonated with a portion of the electorate frustrated with mainstream politics, job insecurity, and concerns over national identity. Marine Le Pen’s political journey has seen her gradually expand her party’s support base. The National Rally party, formerly known as the National Front, has undergone a process of rebranding and repositioning to broaden its appeal. Le Pen has sought to distance herself from the controversial policies and rhetoric that characterized her father’s leadership, making her more palatable to a wider range of voters. By presenting herself as a defender of French values and sovereignty, she has attracted support from conservative and disenfranchised voters.
The dynamics of French presidential elections play a pivotal role in determining the outcome. In France, the presidency is determined through a two-round system, where the top two candidates from the first round face off in the second round. While Le Pen reached the second round in the 2017 presidential elections, she was ultimately defeated by Emmanuel Macron. However, the possibility of her securing a place in the second round again cannot be ruled out, given the volatile nature of French politics. Public sentiment towards the incumbent government and its policies often influences electoral outcomes. If the current administration fails to address key issues such as economic inequality, unemployment, and security concerns, it could create an environment ripe for a political shift. Marine Le Pen has positioned herself as a critic of Macron’s policies, particularly on matters of immigration and European integration. Should public dissatisfaction with the current government increase, it could enhance Le Pen’s chances in future elections. In the realm of politics, building alliances and coalitions is crucial for electoral success. Although Le Pen’s party has historically been isolated due to its controversial positions, recent political developments in Europe have shown a willingness among right-wing parties to form alliances. Le Pen could leverage these connections to build a broader coalition and increase her chances of securing the presidency. While predicting the outcome of future elections is inherently uncertain, the possibility of Marine Le Pen becoming the next French president cannot be entirely dismissed. The rise of right-wing populism, a growing support base, electoral dynamics, public discontent, and strategic alliances all contribute to the potential for Le Pen to make further electoral gains. Nevertheless, the French political landscape is complex and subject to change. The true test lies in the ability of Le Pen and her party to maintain momentum and broaden their appeal beyond their traditional base.
By Roberto Casseli
