PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron faced accusations of transphobia on Wednesday after criticizing an election manifesto while the leader of the far-right RN party insisted he would not question France’s international commitments including on NATO. The controversy arose amidst a tense electoral landscape ahead of the upcoming legislative polls in France.
Less than two weeks remain before the first round of voting in the snap elections initiated by Macron, prompted by his party’s setback in European polls against the far right. Current forecasts from opinion polls suggest Macron’s ruling alliance may place third in the legislative elections scheduled for June 30, with a second round to follow on July 7. The far-right National Rally (RN) and a newly formed left-wing alliance are positioned to potentially lead, unsettling Macron’s hold on power.
RN leader Jordan Bardella, visiting a defence exhibition near Paris, reaffirmed his commitment to France’s international obligations, including NATO membership, should he assume leadership. Bardella emphasized continuity in weapons deliveries to Ukraine under an RN government, with precautions to avoid escalating tensions with Russia.
“Our credibility with European partners and NATO allies is critical,” Bardella stated, softening the RN’s historically antagonistic stance towards the Atlantic alliance.
Critics have long highlighted the RN’s past financial ties, including a substantial loan from a Russian bank in 2014, since repaid, and its leader Marine Le Pen’s previously warm relations with the Kremlin.
Meanwhile, Macron, during a recent visit to western France, expressed confidence in French voters to reject extremes on both ends of the political spectrum. He criticized the New Popular Front (NFP), a coalition of left-wing parties from Socialists to Communists, characterizing them as potentially more extreme than the far right.
“In the end, the proposals of the RN and its allies could lead to an annual expenditure of €100 billion,” Macron cautioned, addressing economic concerns amidst France’s public debt reaching 110% of GDP, prompting the European Commission to initiate excessive deficit procedures against Paris.
However, Macron’s comments on Tuesday also drew ire from anti-discrimination groups for perceived transphobia. His remarks criticized elements of the left-wing coalition’s platform, including proposals related to gender identity changes at municipal offices, which were deemed “farcical” by the president.
Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure condemned Macron’s statements, questioning his alignment with far-right discourse despite his electoral mandate to counter extremism.
