Far-Right France - Le Pen, Bardella¿and the Future of Europe

The story behind the unstoppable rise of the French far right- from France-s societal woes to the Trumpian world order.

France-s next presidential election is due by 2027, if not sooner; and Marine Le Pen-s far- right Rassemblement National is on course to win it. Such a victory would trigger shockwaves internationally, with profound implications for allies and neighbours including the UK and the US.

Founded by the antisemitic Jean-Marie Le Pen, the RN-previously the Front National-was confined to the fringes until his daughter Marine took over in 2011. Together with her telegenic prot- Jordan Bardella, she has modernised the party and -detoxified- its image. The RN has focused on voters- economic grievances while condemning -mass immigration- of Muslims and foreign -criminals--a strategy starkly reminiscent of Donald Trump-s own route, twice, into the White House. Right-wing nationalists were already gaining ground worldwide and across the EU before T