The implications of a ban and the current political situation in France Essay Example

Front fails to grasp the concept of a multi-racial society accepting immigrants. Therefore, despite Le Pen's success in maintaining support, his party's inability to comprehend a harmonious multi-racial nation that accepts immigrants shows a deep crisis within the republic's founding ideals. This results from a significant minority opposing integration. Additionally, the emergence of Marine Le Pen reveals that the party might be rejuvenated, attracting younger members. Incoherent and lacking a clear political program to follow, the National Front is flawed.

The National Front uses exclusion and violence and preys on public fear and frustration to create a sense of anachronistic brotherhood. This appeals to many people but goes against democratic institutions like the EU and spreads its influence outside of France. Despite this, the French outside of France have mobilized in solidarity against the FN and its opposition to democratic values. Democracy must respect the FN's freedom of expression, even though it embodies anti-liberal ideas. Therefore, the French government should tolerate the existence of the FN since democracy allows for expressing these views.

Despite its consistent support since 1988, the National Front is not a serious threat due to its internal weakness, which is caused by its composition of different political groups such as Vichyists and ex-Waffen SS. The party draws most of its popularity from the charisma of Le Pen and is expected to disintegrate after he leaves, rendering it harmless. Banning the party would go against democracy and display a society where morals are disintegrating, contrary to France's past Revolution and Resistance. Additionally, the National Front plays the role of a party that obtains the votes of those with a fixed opinion and banning it

could cause public unrest and anarchy. France has dealt with similar, more violent movements in its history without resorting to banning and it is this argument on the FN's legitimacy that makes it dangerous by giving it publicity.

The National Front draws support by exploiting and highlighting overlooked changes within French society, revealing the nation's political instability. Throughout the 1980s, the party garnered a third of working-class voters due to the dismantling of the public system via neo-liberalist policies. Essentially, the party exposes France's societal problems to provoke government action. The National Front has also introduced the concept of "being French," unifying and instilling hope among those residing in disadvantaged suburbs that are facing job insecurity, worsening inequalities, and heightened suffering. Despite this protest vote, it has limitations as many supporters do not wish for Le Pen to assume presidency. Thus, banning the National Front would be undemocratic and suppress the freedom of expression.

Despite its violent and intolerant nature, the National Front lacks a political agenda and instead relies on exploiting its own hateful beliefs. It serves as an outlet for anti-establishment sentiments and reflects public concerns regarding economic, social, and political instability. The party's success is closely tied to the increase in unemployment, as it has emerged within a deteriorating socio-economic environment. Therefore, it would be unjust to prohibit the party for simply channeling frustration against the government.

The clear answer is to address the FN by reforming it and appealing to the working class voters who have turned away from democracy. The focus should be on creating positive plans for France and upholding democratic ideals. Banning the National Front is not necessary as it can

prevent the working class from becoming even more agitated.