France: The National Front experiences considerable growth

The causes of growth

The FN is projected to win 28 % of votes in the first round of elections starting Saturday. This is bigger than any other party and 6% more than Hollande’s Socialists.

This can be explained by frustrations of the electorate with liberal policies and ideas (including unlimited migration) that were proven moribund by the wave of terrorism.

Another explanation is the rise of national consciousness, provoked by acts of terror, and a negative attitude toward immigrants who do not see themselves as French.

Prominent leaders

The FR is predicted to take control of at least two of France’s 13 mainland regions for the first time. The first is the northern Nord-Pas-de-Calais-Picardie, the poorest region in the country, a former industrial region where will candidate party’s leader is Marine Le Pen.

Traditionally this has been a stronghold of the left, but diversification of the FN's rhetoric and usage of social justice ideas in the program changed political preferences of the voters. The migration crisis in Calais raised the chances of FN leader.

Marion Maréchal-Le Pen, niece of Marine Le Pen, and the youngest member of French National Assembly, is prepared to win the southern Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. It is one of the wealthiest regions in France.

Internal geopolitics

The results of the coming elections curiously reflect the geopolitical map.

According to opinion polls, the Continentalist FN is leading in the electoral race in eastern continental regions of France. 

The regions are: Nord-Pas-de-Calais-Picardie; Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur; Bourgogne, Franche-Comté; Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne, Lorraine (Acal - Grand-Est).

The Atlantic regions mostly support Hollande's Socialists, with its more Atlanticist geopolitical orientation.

Sarkozy's Republicans, who today present themselves as more sovereigntist, are leading in the center regions of the country.

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