Why More French Youth Are Voting for the Far Right

During the 1980s, a French punk rock band popularized a rallying cry against the country’s far right that continues to resonate today. The chant, still heard at left-wing protests, is “La jeunesse emmerde le Front National,” which roughly translates to the youth telling the far right to get lost.

This bold battle cry reflects the conventional wisdom that young people tend to lean left in their political views. However, this notion is being challenged as more and more young individuals in France are supporting the far-right National Rally, a party once considered too extreme to govern.

The results from the recent parliamentary vote showed a surge in young voter turnout across the political spectrum. While a majority still voted for the left, there was a significant increase in the number of 18-to-24-year-olds supporting the National Rally, with a quarter of this age group voting for the party.

The National Rally has made efforts to clean up its image, distancing itself from overtly antisemitic individuals and focusing on anti-immigrant sentiments that resonate with some voters concerned about uncontrolled migration.

The party’s appeal to young voters can also be attributed to the generational shift, with many of them not having experienced the controversial history of the party’s founder, Jean-Marie Le Pen. The emergence of Jordan Bardella, a charismatic 28-year-old leader with a strong social media presence, has further helped reshape the party’s image.

Mr. Bardella’s emphasis on social media outreach and rebranding the party’s message has been key to attracting young voters. By focusing on his personality rather than the party’s ideology, the National Rally has successfully engaged a new generation of supporters.

The party’s growing popularity, coupled with dissatisfaction towards President Emmanuel Macron, has led to significant gains in recent elections, raising concerns among the left about the far right’s influence.

Despite the left still being the preferred choice for most young voters, the rise of the National Rally has prompted left-wing activists to mobilize for the upcoming runoff election. The surge in youth voter participation indicates the significance of this election, which could potentially shift the political landscape in France.

As young people from diverse backgrounds navigate their political choices, the influence of social media and charismatic leaders like Jordan Bardella continues to shape the political discourse in France.

The evolving political landscape has sparked both excitement and concern among young voters, reflecting the broader societal tensions and ideological shifts taking place in France.

As the nation heads towards a critical election, the choices made by young voters could have a lasting impact on the country’s future.