French far-right gains traction due to social decline, state abandonment, and economic precarity in areas like Hénin-Beaumont.
🔗 Read the article on elconfidencial.com
[This is an automatically generated summary, for reference only]
French media has been closely examining Hénin-Beaumont, a former mining town in northern France that has become a stronghold for Le Pen’s far-right politics. Following the decline of mining and industrial closures, the far-right gained an absolute majority there after nearly 70 years of socialist rule. The National Rally (RN), formerly the National Front (FN), won this constituency with 58.04% in the first round of a snap legislative election on June 30th, contributing to Le Pen’s overall vote share. Political scientist Vincent Lebrou attributes the far-right vote, particularly in northeastern France, to two main factors: social decline characterized by low education and precarious employment, and feelings of state abandonment due to fewer businesses and insecure jobs, which fosters a rejection less based on ideology.
Lebrou also points to significant inequality, noting substantial differences in life expectancy between working-class people and professionals in regions like Hauts-de-France and Pas-de-Calais, which are among the most obese areas in France. The feeling of abandonment is further evidenced by the closure of train stations, post offices, and emergency services, with a recent poll showing that perceived lack of healthcare was a top reason for voting for Marine Le Pen, followed by purchasing power and immigration concerns.
Experts suggest that the far-right has successfully embodied a “savior myth.” While the left proposes policies like higher wages, Lebrou notes these are often dismissed as economically dangerous. A paradox exists where despite the left’s gains in votes, its message is marginalized due to a strong tendency to view left-wing parties as threats to the French economy.
The demographic profile of the RN voter has evolved from being primarily low-educated men to include more women, partly through efforts by Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella to appear more relatable on social media. Lebrou argues that the rise of the far-right is not solely based on ideology but stems from three factors: the fragmentation of politics since Emmanuel Macron’s arrival, which has made the RN seem like the only alternative in a pessimistic climate; low political engagement among far-right voters who are sensitive to perceived loss of French identity; and the spread of racist discourse in media.
In overseas territories, the rise of the far-right is linked to high abstention rates, socioeconomic issues not addressed by mainland policies, and unequal or racist ideologies.
