French far-right leader Marine Le Pen is poised to emerge as one of the biggest winners in the upcoming European Parliament election, despite not being on the ballot. Polls indicate that her National Rally party is likely to secure the top spot in France, surpassing President Emmanuel Macron's moderate pro-business party. The rise of anti-immigration and nationalist sentiments across Europe is contributing to Le Pen's growing influence.
The elections taking place from June 6-9 in all 27 EU countries are expected to shift the balance of power in the European Parliament and the European Commission towards the right and far right. This shift could have significant implications for the EU's future and potentially enhance Le Pen's prospects of winning the French presidency in 2027.
The National Rally's lead European Parliament candidate, Jordan Bardella, is advocating for policies to restrict the free movement of migrants within the EU, reduce EU pressure on Russia, and relax EU climate regulations. Bardella emphasizes the need to reshape the European model around the concept of nations, contrasting it with what he perceives as Macron's outdated vision of Europe.
Meanwhile, Macron's pro-EU movement is facing challenges, with its chief candidate struggling to gain traction. As Macron seeks to lead efforts to support Ukraine and strengthen the EU's defenses and industry, his movement is encountering difficulties in mobilizing support.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has joined Macron's campaign, warning voters about the threats posed by authoritarianism and the importance of preserving European unity and democracy. Attal highlights the pressing challenges faced by Europe, including climate change, technological advancements, and the need for collective action.
While EU voters are selecting members of the European Parliament, many are prioritizing national issues in their decision-making. In France, voters are expected to express discontent with Macron's handling of the economy, agriculture, and security, especially with the upcoming Paris Olympics.
On the left, France's Socialist Party is experiencing a resurgence under lead candidate Raphael Glucksmann, who advocates for ambitious climate policies and enhanced protections for European businesses and workers. The Socialist Party is regaining support from left-wing voters disillusioned with Macron's policies.
Despite challenges, Le Pen remains a prominent figure in French politics, positioning her party to capitalize on the protest vote. Le Pen's strategy focuses on reforming the EU from within rather than advocating for its exit, aligning with the broader trend of national parties seeking to strengthen European cooperation to address contemporary challenges.
As the European Parliament election unfolds, the political landscape in France and across Europe is undergoing significant shifts, reflecting the evolving priorities and concerns of voters.
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