Marine Le Pen, the leader of the nationalist right-wing party, emphasized housing and the cost of living crisis for French citizens in her first major speech on Sunday. This speech took place in the city of Henin-Beaumont, located in northern France, and Le Pen promised that French citizens would have priority in their own country.
National Priority Policy and Housing Provision
Le Pen stated that the "natural and fair right" of French citizens must be guaranteed, announcing that under her leadership, the French would have "more rights than others" in their own country. She also proposed the "national priority" policy for housing, particularly regarding access to social housing.
Furthermore, Le Pen criticized the cost of living crisis and promised to address the existing problems in both the social housing sector and the private sector. She referred to environmental and administrative constraints in planning laws and criticized tax increases. Le Pen announced her intention to reduce the value-added tax (VAT) from 20 percent to 5.5 percent for gas, electricity, and heating oil.
Local Reactions and Challenges
While Le Pen enjoys her support, some social activists, including members of the anti-fascist movement in the area, have differing opinions. One activist, Ludivine, stated that there are people in Le Pen's electoral district who are "strongly opposed to extreme right-wing politics" and believe that economic problems have increased due to the policies of the nationalist right-wing party.
She also pointed to the unemployment situation in post-urban and forgotten areas, stating that this narrative is rapidly gaining traction. Laurence, another activist, emphasized that the presence of the nationalist right-wing party does not mean ignoring public discontent, and many individuals may remain silent out of fear of expressing dissent.
Le Pen also met with representatives of her party in a private political meeting in the coastal town of Le Touquet on Saturday before arriving in Henin-Beaumont. This meeting took place while the city's annual market was also being held, and despite the cancellation of Le Pen's parade due to weather conditions, residents continued to sell their second-hand goods.
Ultimately, Le Pen, who continues to strive for normalizing the image of her nationalist right-wing party, faces serious challenges, including criticisms regarding her father Jean-Marie Le Pen's history. However, some of her local supporters, like Antoine, believe that voting for Le Pen does not equate to racism.
