Marine Le Pen Seeks To Appeal The Ban On Running For The French Presidency

 

Marine Le Pen was found guilty of embezzlement. She will not serve any prison time . Two of the custody detainments are suspended, while the other two years will be a status of house arrest. This will require the use of an electronic tag .  Instead Marine Le Pen is prohibited from running in the next French presidential election. The misuse of European Union funds is a serious charge, but the ban on political office is has indications of political partisan motivations. If  Marine Le Pen was such a threat, a harsher prison sentence would have been imposed. The fact that individuals of such a corrupt nature can reach that level demonstrates the weakness of  the European liberal democratic system. This also has another negative consequence. Leaders are going to criminalize their political opponents on both the left and right. As Europe struggles economically, more are going to favor the conservative and far-right political factions. Suppressing political figures or movements is not going to defeat extremist elements within France. Marine Le Pen is seeking an appeal. It is dubious if the ruling can be overturned by 2027. Every attempt Le Pen made to be elected president she failed. The motivation to disqualify her now, might be due to the possibility Le Pen could win. A small number of Le Pen's political competitors also expressed concerns about the ruling. The National Rally Party is going to plot reprisals in reaction to this verdict. The appeals process is going to have legal complexities and opens the debate about the law in relation to political figures. 

.     

Jean-Marie Le Pen Vexed Over Suspension From The National Front (2015)

 

Jean-Marie Le Pen (1928-2025) was a prominent figure in French far-right politics. Known for his anti-immigrant and anti-black racism, Le Pen had not problem expressing his views publicly. Marine Le Pen expelled him from the National Front in 2015. One remark that got more criticism was Le Pen referring to the Holocaust as a "detail of history." The coded language implied that it was not that serious of an event. Jean-Marie Le Pen also expressed anti-Muslim sentiment. Jean-Marie Le Pen was not removed from the National Front for being too extreme. Most members and leaders hold these views. His daughter wanted more control of the party and to change its image to the public. Far-right parties try to appear more civil to get votes. The attempts to mainstream far-right political parties only work under poor economic conditions. Marine Le Pen  was not concerned about the National Front's racism, but trying to appeal more to the French population. Intolerant ideas would be repackaged to the voters. Blatant hatred could not be openly spoken, but done through policy. This required Jean-Marie Le Pen to be removed. The National Front continues to be active in French politics.  

France's Leftist Coalition

 

A coalition of leftist parties was able to stop a right-wing victory in France's parliamentary elections. The representative body remains fractured. No single party won a majority. There are demands to form a government. Three major political factions are fight for power. The New Popular Front is the leftist coalition becoming a popular political force. The National Rally represents the conservative and far-right elements of French politics. The centrists who are mostly allied to President Emmanuel Macron expected to gain a majority. This was an error on President Macron's part. Calling for elections with the domestic and wider problems in Europe was not a calculated decision. The bigger question is if  La France Insoumise, Greens, and Socialists can actually govern. Political factionalism is on the rise in France. The objective should not be solely to oppose the far-right. New policies must be implemented related to labor, pensions, and foreign policy. President Emmanuel Macron seems hesitant to allow a new prime minister to be head of government. This procrastination is related to being displeased about election results. President Macron has three years left in his presidential term. The new members of parliament will make if difficult for him if he does not negotiate . The National Assembly can block legislation. The challenge is keeping the leftist coalition together. Making an attempt to capture 289 seats must be a long term goal. Leftists do seek alliances and solidarity with other groups. However, France Insoumise needs to be powerful enough that it will not require other parties. 

Gabon's Government Says Ali Bongo Is Free From House Arrest

 

Ali Bongo according to the government is allowed to move freely. The president of Gabon prior to this released a video in which he asked for assistance. The video was not a political prisoner asking for help, rather an indirect message for military intervention. Ali Bongo assumed that France would come to restore him to office. France is the reason the Bongo family has remained in power for half a century. The government states that he was released on medical grounds. Ali Bongo is free to go abroad for medical check-ups. What it sounds like is that the government is encouraging exile. Some might have the desire to see the Bongo family prosecuted for crimes that took place for the past 55 years. The country is not entire free of the family. The current president Brice Nguema is a cousin of Bongo. This is the reason why Ali Bongo might not be charged or remain incarcerated. Ali Bongo does have health concerns considering he did suffer a stroke five years ago. The Nguema government does not want to be accused of trying to worsen Ali Bongo's health. The coup was a bloodless one and there is no desire to have a civil war. A trial might not happen. Enough evidence has to be gathered to expose wrong doing. While there is evidence of kleptocracy, Bongo loyalists might still have an influence on the criminal justice system. Ali Bongo could remain free and unpunished. The Bongos could face charges such as embezzlement, electoral fraud, and  human rights abuse. 

A New Wave Of French Protests And Riots

 

A new wave of protests and riots have spread across France. The murder of Nahel Merzouk by police  was the catalyst. The murder highlights the discrimination and racism directed at the Arab and immigrant populations in France. The Arab and African population are segregated in the suburbs. The disturbing amount of police brutality directed at immigrants, Africans, Arabs, and the workers show that France is descending into a quasi-authoritarian state. European countries can no longer claim they are models of liberal democracy, with a number of social and economic problems. When action is not taken, sometimes the frustration projects itself in riots. France has yellow vest demonstrations and protests against pension reform. The more discord grows the more society becomes unstable. The Arab and Muslim community is facing isolation and targeted violence. Islamophobia gradually is becoming government policy. The growth of xenophobic nativist nationalism only has exacerbated matters across Europe. The riots and protests are reminder little has changed since the events of 2005. The response now is more repression. According to the Interior Ministry a total of 45,000 police officers have been deployed. Racism and xenophobia are getting worse at a time when economic challenges are not being addressed. What cannot be denied is that France is racially segregated. The former empire colonized countries in Africa and Asia. The imperial legacy continues in the form of racial hatred and an arrogant  sense of cultural superiority. The protests and riots in France certainly will damage the nation's image around the world.  

The Pension Reform Protests Escalate

 

France is seeing a rise in protests over the pension reforms. Increasing the retirement age is not a policy that should be implemented when Europe faces economic difficulties. As demonstrations spread, police violence has increased. Images of tear gas and police using clubs have been seen all over the world. The image of orderly,  democratic, and free Europe has been destroyed. The image was in many ways a myth used to keep citizens passive about economic and political conditions. The new pension reforms are an attack on workers, labor unions, and the French public. President Emmanuel Macron is determined to force through the changes, even if it costs him politically. The bill was pushed through the lower house of parliament without a vote. Doing this raises questions about the legality of the matter. What the demonstrations expose is the normalization of police brutality and plots against organized labor. The attacks on the yellow vest protests were a precursor  to the current violence. Violence from law enforcement has caught the attention of Amnesty International, the Council of Europe, and the International Federation of Human Rights. The use of stun grenades and rubber bullets have been condemned by these organizations. The establishment claims police are being attacked by leftists and anarchists who create violence. Most of the violence comes from law enforcement directed at protesters. It does not matter if they are peaceful or violent. A coordinated effort is designed to repress workers and the public. France might continue to descend further into labor disputes, civil unrest, and authoritarian tendencies.   

France Wants To Increase The Retirement Age

 

France intends to increase the retirement age despite growing public opposition. Demonstrators and unions have been active expressing their anger over the new legislation. President Macron claimed that moving the age up was designed to confront France's deficit. Nationwide strikes will continue if this economic policy becomes law. The proposed change cannot solve the deficit. Such an event only occurs when revenue cannot not cover expenses of a nation. A practical solution would be for France to start exporting more goods to other countries. Doing so would increase the needed economic growth. Making it more difficult to get a pension does not help an economy. The government does not want to give its citizens the benefits of contributing to France's labor force. The proposed change will disproportionately harm the working class labor force. Among this group most might live to collect their pension. Those who are in dangerous professions are negatively impacted. The 64 years of age retirement proposal has induced labor strikes across the country. Sanitation and transportation workers are becoming more involved in the opposition to reform. If the legislation passes, more demonstrations will continue. Funding the pension system requires higher taxation . What critics claim is that the age increase is a means of gradually abolishing it.  The workforce could die before collecting their pensions. The argument would be made that it would no longer be necessary. The movement to increase retirement age is not just happening in France. The EU is attempting to impose it on member states.  

Burkina Faso Demands The Withdraw of French Forces

Burkina Faso is about to make a major foreign policy change. The military government announced it wants French forces to leave the country in a month. The reason France claims it remains in the country is to combat terrorism. Even before the activity of terrorist organizations, France was interfering with Burkina Faso's internal affairs. The junta is not the only group demanding French withdraw. Demonstrations have been held by the public regrading French military intervention. France's objective is not to fight ISIS or Al-Qaeda inspired armed groups. The intention is to assert dominance in the Sahel region. The French intervention started with Mali in 2013 and then spread to surrounding countries. Chad and Niger have a similar problem of French military presence.  French abuses are going to be used as a means to strengthen the military leader Ibrahim Traore. The majority of the population does not want France to remain and supporting their removal would make the government more popular. Since 2014 France has waged Operation Barkhane to fight terrorist organizations. Prior to this Operation Serval was focused on Mali in particular. Mali's destabilization was the direct result of the regime change in Libya in 2011. France saw this as an opportunity to build a neo-colonial empire. A decade of conflict has made West Africa less secure. The violation of national sovereignty, rise of military regimes, French forces, and terrorist organizations have become serious threats to Burkina Faso. 

Anti-French Protests In Chad

 

Chad has erupted in protests against France. Frustration has grown over the military control of government and French influence over internal affairs. Chadians are seeing their government as a puppet regime to Paris and now are taking action. The Transitional Military Council has the full support of France. Chad has been an essential partner in the country's attempt to establish a sphere of influence in Africa. Since the death of President Idriss Deby the Chad has been in a state of discord.  French linked  businesses were attacked in N' Djamena. The real power in the country has been concentrated in Mahamat Idriss. Son of the former president, he has not made any decrees about returning to a civilian government. The targets of attacks were petrol stations operated by the French company Total Energies.  France has troops in West Africa under the excuse of fighting terrorism. While armed conflict has been present in West Africa, a French military presence does not help. Chad hosts a  French military base in Chad's capital N' Djamena. Rumors have been circulating that France was intending to build more. Currently there is  estimated to be  1,000 French troops at the base. Occupation is a catalyst for terrorism and protests. The demand to expel the French, have democratic reforms, and basic rights is growing. The Transitional Military Council can only survive with French assistance. Mahamat Idriss might be slowly making his way to consolidate power through repression and French aid. This will not deter the demonstrations, which have been happening since 2021. 

The French Presidential Election Results

 

Emmanuel Macron won re-election as France's president. The results showed Marcon  getting 58.5 % of the vote and Marine Le Pen gained 41.5 %. The polling numbers suggests the country remains divided. One section favors the European Union and political centrism. Marine Le Pen and  the National Rally Party are advocates ethnocentric nationalism and far-right politics. France has been questioning the nature of the NATO alliance and grappling with the Russia-Ukraine conflict. No candidate won a majority in the first round, which was the reason for the run-off election. The French are experiencing major discord, which its leaders are not addressing. Economic challenges and concerns surrounding immigration are issues that are part of the French political consciousness. Now that President Macron has a second term questions remain about La Republique En Marche ! ability to reach out to the citizens frustrated with current conditions. Macron's party is supportive of  economic liberalism, globalization, and a pan-European political vision. Certain policies related to these beliefs do not benefit the population as a whole. When Emmanuel Macron won the 2017 election he got 66.10% of the vote. Marine Le Pen received 33.90% of the vote. Le Pen improved while Macron saw a decrease. The far-right is gaining momentum, due to the inadequacies of political centrism. Having a genuine leftist political party can counter the rise xenophobic nativist nationalism. La Republique En Marche! must change tactics to remain relevant and attract voters. Otherwise, voters will gravitate to more extreme political movements.   

Laurent Gbagbo My Return To Ivory Coast

Laurent Gbagbo who was arrested by France and transferred to the International Crimes Court may return to Ivory Coast. Last year he was acquitted when the ICC could not prove he was responsible for post-election violence. The French intervened to install a more compliant government. The blatant violation of sovereignty and the charges from the ICC prove ulterior motives. The ICC charges leaders who do not follow European geopolitical objectives. Gbagbo can leave Belgium on the condition that another nation receives him. Elections are going to be held in October. The question remains could post-election violence erupt again. If so, France would use that as a justification to intervene. The reason for travel restrictions on Gbagbo are not completely lifted is the fear he retain significant political popularity in Ivory Coast. A political comeback could reverse the French position in  the West African region that was built up since 2011. The ICC demonstrates its bias with few European leaders facing trial for abuses in African and Asian nations. Gbagbo's return could either have negative or positive consequences depending on the political conditions.  

Pension Reform Sparks Demonstrations in France

France has planned to  reform its pension system, which has sparked major strikes. This sudden attempt at reform only reveals that the French economy may not be in the best condition. The  labor unions and concerned citizens have vowed to strike until the pension reform is abandoned. These demonstrations will cause a halt to transportation. President Emmanuel  Macron stated that he intended to reform the welfare and pension system. What this meant was that he was making it more favorable to business rather than the general public. If France wanted to have more financial security, it would have to end its military operations in West and North Africa. No suggestions have been made reducing military budgets, yet reducing social services seems acceptable to the Macron presidency. The pension reform legislation may encourage more supply side economic measures or more fiscal austerity. Workers and the elderly will suffer more of the burden compared to the corporate and business community.   Such reform would cause major social problems, none which have been seen since the French Revolution or  the establishment of the third  republic. French history has been turbulent with swings between liberal transformation and conservative reaction. It appears that France could be going in a more reactionary political and economic path. So far, President Emmanuel Macron refuses to listen to the demands of protesters. Workers may have to delay their retirement for smaller pensions. An estimated 800,000 have taken to the streets and it could possibly escalate if no compromise is reached.