In the 1980s, a French punk rock band created a rallying cry against the country’s far right that has endured through the decades. The chant, still heard at protests on the left, is “La jeunesse emmerde le Front National,” which loosely translates to telling the far right to get lost. This crude battle cry represents the belief that young people tend to lean left in their politics, a notion that is now being challenged as more young voters in France are supporting the National Rally.
Recent election results have shown a significant increase in the number of 18-to-24-year-olds voting for the National Rally, a party that was once considered too extreme. The party has made efforts to clean up its image and appeal to young voters, with the charismatic 28-year-old Jordan Bardella leading the way. Bardella has helped rebrand the party and attract support from a new generation that is unfamiliar with the party’s controversial past.
The National Rally’s success in recent elections has raised concerns among the left, which still remains the preferred choice for most young voters. Left-wing activists are working hard to mobilize voters for the upcoming runoff election. The surge in youth voter turnout reflects the high stakes of this election, which could potentially bring the National Rally to power for the first time.
While Bardella’s social media presence has helped him connect with young voters, his far-right agenda has also sparked fear among some young people, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds or ethnic minorities. Activists are working to counter the far-right narrative and raise awareness about the potential consequences of supporting the National Rally.
The growing popularity of the far right in France has prompted a mix of reactions from young voters, with some embracing the party’s message of nationalism and anti-immigration policies, while others are deeply concerned about the implications of a National Rally victory. As the country heads into a crucial runoff election, the political landscape remains highly contested, with the future direction of France hanging in the balance.