The probable rise to power by the National Rally in France is causing significant concern in civil society—more particularly among those with family residing in France. This anxiety has been heightened since Monday, when the leader of the party, Jordan Bardella, announced a proposal to bar dual nationals from sensitive jobs.
Only two days before the first round of the French legislative elections on June 30, the far-right National Rally remains hard on the heels of—indeed, neck and neck with—the left-wing coalition called the New People’s Front.
Offsetting all this, the shining rise of the National Rally is one factor viewed with utmost attention by the entire African continent, raising responses among many citizens who are afraid for the African diaspora in France. This comes particularly after the National Rally announced its intention to ban dual nationals from working in certain sensitive jobs, including in the defense sector.
The founder of the think tank AfrikaJom Center based in Dakar, Alioune Tine—to the issues of democracy and peace in West Africa—is calling on African leaders to denounce far-right groups. He expressed serious concerns about the agenda of the National Rally.
“When we hear what Jordan Bardella is saying, we are utterly outraged, particularly concerning French citizens of dual nationality who would be barred from holding certain positions. And it is astonishing to consider that now there would be two kinds of French people in the Republic: native French and others. It is another version of the racist practices. Along with that, the dangerousness is huge; with this, it will be a backward movement for France,” he regretted.