The far right at the gates of power in France : we must not let hatred of the other win

At the European elections of 9 June this year, the conservative forces of the far right emerged with an unprecedented vote count, which is further evidence of the rise of right-wing populism at the global level. In France, this outcome led to the decision by President Emmanuel Macron to dissolve the French National Assembly. Legislative elections will be held on 30 June and 7 July 2024. Depending on the results of the presidential arbitration, the National Rally party could enter into the government, or constitute the next government. 

Emmaus is a non-partisan Movement, and that is not going to change, but we do also have a duty: namely our 70-year-long struggle against poverty, exclusion, the stigmatisation of the most vulnerable populations, and all those who contribute to this. The current government certainly does not behave in line with all our wishes, but the far right, which is stronger than ever, is an unparalleled threat and is potentially even more destructive, especially to those most vulnerable.

To vote for the far right is to manifest the very distress, anger and sense of powerlessness that we, actors for solidarity in France and around the world, cannot ignore. It also falls to us to pay attention to this growing danger, as well as call out the great hoax of those who claim that such difficulties can be dealt with by targeting scapegoats.

The Emmaus Movement stands for strong values, which are the direct opposite of those held by the far right. These are the values of solidarity, sharing, and the welcome of anybody who needs help, regardless of their background. Wherever the far right rises to power, these values are undermined, and the most excluded populations become even more vulnerable. The far right pushes for self-centredness, exclusion and hatred. The Emmaus Movement, by contrast, fights for a world that is just, united and sustainable, rooted in sharing, meeting together and solidarity between people and populations.

Why do we insist that the far right must not rise to power?

The far right does not protect people experiencing poverty. In many countries where it has gained power, the far right has caused a deepening of inequalities. In France, the far right is opposed to raising the minimum wage, to putting price locks on basic goods, to providing free canteen meals and other assistance for people with the lowest incomes, and to increasing resources to combat tax fraud.

The far right does not protect social justice and solidarity. By ‘social justice’, we mean equal rights for every individual, namely the chance for every single human being without exception to enjoy the social and economic growth around the world. By emphasising national preference, the far right’s plans are quite simply based on dividing up human beings, and on discriminating against people from foreign countries. The far right is opposed to dignified welcomes for exiled people on its territory, which once again shows its lack of humanity.

The far right does not protect women. In Europe, the far right is opposed to reducing the wage gap between men and women. In France, the National Rally spoke out against an action plan for male-female equality, reimbursing healthcare for women affected by breast cancer, and enshrining the right to abortion in the constitution.

The far right does not protect the environment. In the European Parliament, the far right deputies voted against practically all of the texts that favoured the green transition. It is against a European social fund of 86 billion euros for the climate, the taxation of yachts and private jets, the European law on obligatory renovation of energy-draining buildings, and the taxation of the profit giants of the oil, gas and coal industry.

The far right, in all its forms, endangers social and climate justice, human rights, social benefits and democracy. That is why, faced with an unprecedented political threat, Emmaus cannot opt to do nothing and wordlessly submit. We call upon everyone to stand with us: on 30 June and 7 July, we must vote!

We will not let them divide us – we choose solidarity.