With just four days left before the parliamentary elections in France, the government has taken a bold step by ordering the disbandment of several “extreme right-wing” and “radical Muslim” groups. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin cited the risk of violence as the reason for this decision, which comes at a crucial time when political extremes are gaining support.
The ban includes the dissolution of the GUD, a group known for violence and anti-Semitism, and whose members are backing far-right political leader Marine Le Pen. Le Pen’s National Rally party is currently leading in the polls ahead of the elections, with President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance lagging far behind.
However, the election outcome remains uncertain due to the complex voting system and potential political alliances. If a far-right government is elected, it would be the first time since World War II that France sees such a government in power. Macron called for the elections after suffering a heavy defeat by the far-right in the European Parliament elections.