The hard-line right is expected to win convincingly in the elections for the European Parliament

2024-05-31 19:54:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The hard-line right is expected to win convincingly in the elections for the

Right-wing populist parties are expected to make gains in the three-day European Parliament elections that begin on June 6 in all EU member states. They are exploiting voters' anger and lack of trust in the ruling parties. As VOA correspondent Lisa Bryant reports, analysts predict the change will affect EU policies on the environment, economy, migration and foreign policy, including waning support for Ukraine in its war against Russia.

The Sunday market in Souppes-sur-Loing, about 100 kilometers south of Paris, is a good place to meet the locals, especially in the run-up to the European Parliament elections to be held in France on June 9.

Years ago, many of these voters would be reluctant to talk to members of the far-right National Rally party. But not now. VOA spoke to some French voters.

"Something must be done because life has become very difficult. In the past, I voted for the "National Rally" party, and I am not ashamed to say it, and they will adhere to this position."

According to polls, the "National Rally" party could win about a third of the seats belonging to France in the European Parliament ... double the support enjoyed by the ruling party of President Emmanuel Macron.

Ivanka Estaben is a supporter of the "National Rally" party.

"These kinds of globalist governments, with very liberal ideas, that sometimes do not respect the issues that people care about - they have disgusted the people with these policies."

Under the leadership of leader Marine Le Pen, the "National Rally" party is a milder version of the beginnings of this anti-immigration trend. She is focusing on fundamental issues such as jobs and the economy and now she is not talking about exiting the European Union but about the structuring of the bloc.

"All circumstances favor the "National Rally" party. This party has never been in power alone or in a coalition. Many voters want to try the leadership of this party and if they are not satisfied they can vote against them", says analyst Jean Yves Camus for the Voice of America.

This party also has a strong advantage, 28-year-old Jordan Bardella, who heads the list for the European Parliament elections. He has rejuvenated the party in an attempt to attract the voters of the new generation.

"Bardella is capable, powerful, strong-willed and does not have a past of extreme currents," says analyst Camus.

But not everyone likes what Mr. Bardella represents. Older French who experienced Nazi aggression are suspicious of nationalist tendencies.

Trader Ndongo Mbaye, originally from Senegal, opposes the far-right party's harsh policies on immigration issues. His children are French.

"My grandfather is 100 years old. He fought on the side of France against the Germans during World War II. I don't agree with their anti-immigration policy."

The "National Rally" party and other right-wing parties will probably celebrate after these elections. But analysts like Mr. Camus say that their victory in the bloc elections does not mean that they will win the national elections in France, or the presidential ones that will be held in 2027./ VOA