A recent poll indicates that far-right ideologies are increasingly resonating with the French population. The survey reveals a growing acceptance of ideas espoused by the National Rally party, a prominent far-right political force in France.
According to the poll, approximately 42% of French citizens now agree with the ideas put forth by the National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen. This represents a 3-point increase compared to last year and a significant 13-point rise since 2002. Conversely, 44% of French people expressed disagreement with the party’s views.
The survey further suggests a shift in perception regarding the party’s potential threat to democracy. While 41% of respondents believe the National Rally poses a danger to democratic principles, 44% do not consider it a threat.
Interestingly, 40% of those surveyed do not perceive the party as anti-foreigner. This sentiment is even stronger among supporters of the Republicans (a center-right party), with nearly 60% holding this view. Furthermore, almost half (47%) of the participants believe that the National Rally is not anti-Semitic.
The poll also explored public opinion on the party’s potential to gain power. A significant majority – seven out of ten French citizens – believe that the National Rally is capable of attaining power, a figure that has been steadily increasing since 2019.
The National Rally has gained considerable momentum in recent years, securing 125 out of 577 seats in the 2024 legislative elections. In the 2022 presidential election, Marine Le Pen garnered 41.45% of the vote in the second round against President Emmanuel Macron. She also faced Macron in the 2017 presidential runoff, receiving 33.90% of the vote.
It’s worth noting that last year, a court in Paris barred Le Pen from holding public office for five years in connection with a case involving the employment of parliamentary assistants. An appeal trial is scheduled to begin soon. For Le Pen to be eligible to run in the 2027 presidential election, she must either be acquitted or have the ineligibility ruling reduced.
