Far-Right France
By Max Sattonnay
In a wide-ranging discussion hosted by The Battleground, Editor-in-Chief Joel Schalit was joined by Communications Director Max Sattonnay to analyse the rise of far-right forces in France’s National Assembly.
This development, unprecedented since World War II, marks a significant pivot in French legislative history.
A French politics expert, Sattonnay has spent the last seven years following Emmanuel Macron’s presidency. Schalit, whose family ties to France enrich his engagement with its politics, steers the conversation towards Macron's strategies.
Macron plays a dangerous political game, amplifying far-right rhetoric to manipulate electoral outcomes. According to Sattonnay, the president uses fear as a strategic tool, positioning himself as a crucial stabiliser amidst the turmoil he cultivates.
The dialogue explores Macron's possible motives, with Sattonnay arguing that the president’s actions could be an attempt to reshape the political landscape to his advantage. This includes the marginalisation of leftist groups and the potential co-opting of centrist elements to consolidate his base.
Moreover, Sattonnay criticises the role played by mainstream French media in these manoeuvres. He highlights a disturbing lack of press scrutiny and coverage, allowing Macron to proceed with minimal public questioning, abetted by far-right news platform CNews championing the far right.
Citing Fanpage’s recent scoops about fascism and Antisemitism in Fratelli d’Italia and CORRECTIV’s revelations about Alternative für Deutschland’s plans for the mass deportation of minorities, Schalit and Sattonnay advocate for more robust, balanced journalism that holds parties and politicians accountable.
Please support The Battleground. Subscribe to our free newsletter and make a donation to ensure our continued growth and independence.
Photograph courtesy of Jeanne Menjoulet. Published under a Creative Commons license.