In the upcoming French election, Marine Le Pen of the far-right National Rally party is threatening to challenge President Emmanuel Macron on issues related to Ukraine and defense. Traditionally, military and foreign policy have been considered the president's domain, but Le Pen's party is aiming to change that assumption.
The far-right movement in France has been gaining momentum, particularly in conservative heartlands where grievances over a rural-urban divide have fueled support for Le Pen's National Rally party. This shift in political landscape has raised concerns among some in France, with discussions emerging about the possibility of the country becoming like Italy, where an emergency government of experts was formed.
President Macron has warned of a potential "civil war" if either the far-left or far-right wins in the upcoming election. He is working to rally support for his centrist party, which has faced challenges from both ends of the political spectrum.
As the election approaches, the political landscape in France is becoming increasingly polarized, with Macron's centrism being challenged by both the far-right and far-left movements. The outcome of the election could have significant implications for the country's future, particularly in terms of its foreign policy and defense strategies.
Overall, the upcoming French election is shaping up to be a closely contested and high-stakes battle between different political ideologies. The uncertainty surrounding the outcome has led to heightened tensions and concerns about the direction in which France may be headed.