Why France might soon have a far-right government
How Marine Le Pen’s far-right party rehabilitated its image, and is now on the cusp of power.
France is in political turmoil. President Emmanuel Macron has just appointed his fifth prime minister in two years. But it’s unclear whether he’ll be able to form a government. There are calls for Macron's resignation amid nationwide protests and shutdowns. He is running out of options. Waiting in the wings is Marine Le Pen, whose far-right National Rally party has surged in popularity and seems poised to take power. On Sunday at a rally in Bordeaux, she repeated calls for new national elections.
So how did this party, with its controversial history, rehabilitate its image? And what would the first far-right government since World War Two mean not just for France, but for Europe and the rest of the world?
Producers: Lucy Pawle, Sam Chantarasak
Executive producer: James Shield
Mix: Travis Evans
Senior news editor: China Collins
Image: Marine Le Pen. Yoan Valat/EPA/Shutterstock
Last on
More episodes
Broadcasts
- Mon 15 Sep 2025 10:32GMTÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ World Service
- Tue 16 Sep 2025 00:32GMTÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ World Service & Live News
Podcast
-
The Global Story
The Global Story: Where the world meets America