The French Elections, the Far Right and Islamophobia

JVL Introduction

France has the largest Muslim community in Europe, making up some 10% of the population and yet they are too often made to feel that they do not fully belong in France and the dramatic increase in support for the far right “Rassemblement National” has only increased their fears.  The far right has been seen off for now thanks to a coming together of left wing and other progressive forces.  With the far right on the rise in so many places such alliances will be essential but can they hold?

Muslims are the current target for the far right as Jews have been in the past – and those same forces claim to abhor antisemitism as they stand four square behind Israel, which is just further proof of how support for Israel has nothing to do with defeating racism.

And in the UK, as well as the worrying four million votes for “Reform” in the general election, we can consider the reaction to the election of four Muslim Independent MPs with much amplified allegations of aggression from their supporters with little to no coverage of the hostility that they faced, along with several unsuccessful Muslim Independent candidates.  Allegations made on the doorstep that they were supporters of terrorism being oft repeated.

Joint work against all forms of racism and for justice for Palestinians is essential.  We need to learn the lessons from what is happening in France – the politics of divide and rule cannot prevail.

(The original also has an audio version of the article)

LL

This article was originally published by The New Arab on Wed 10 Jul 2024. Read the original here.