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Rabat – The French government has ordered the dissolution of several extreme-right and “radical Islamic” groups just days before the first round of the country’s legislative elections.
The French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced the dissolution on Wednesday, citing the risk of violence posed by these groups. “The hatred of extremes must be fought by the Republic,” he said on the social media platform X.
Among those targeted is the Groupe Union Défense (GUD), a group “known for violence and antisemitism,” AP reported. The group has historically supported Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally party, which currently leads in the polls.
This crackdown comes in the wake of a tumultuous electoral race prompted by snap elections called by President Emmanuel Macron. The key issues dominating the debate include immigration, retirement age, and tax policies.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and other political leaders clashed over these topics in a televised debate on Tuesday night, highlighting the deep divisions within the country.
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National Rally president Jordan Bardella has proposed several controversial measures, including abolishing free healthcare for foreigners and restricting dual citizens from holding certain state jobs.
These proposals have drawn sharp criticism from opponents, who accuse Bardella’s party of xenophobia and racism. “The message you are sending is that when we are dual citizens, we are half-citizens, we are not real French people,” Attal said.
The upcoming elections are seen as a crucial test for France, with many citizens and observers fretting over the prospects of a far-right government for the first time since World War II.
In addition to internal challenges, the elections follow a significant defeat for Macron’s party in the recent European Parliament elections.
The far-right National Rally (RN) is leading the polls with 36% of the vote, followed by the left-wing coalition New Popular Front with 27%. President Emmanuel Macron’s party is trailing at 20%.
The elections are scheduled for June 30 and July 7, and over 49.5 million registered voters are set to choose 577 MPs for the National Assembly.
