The Front National and Territorial Politics in France

Description

This chapter evaluates the pertinence of the territorial dimension in the mobilization strategies and electoral success of the Front National (FN) in France. It investigates the relationship and possible linkages between the FN's majority national-populism and territorial politics, and asks to what extent the FN's mobilization strategies are shaped by specific sub-national conditions, grievances and opportunities. We look at demand, supply and political opportunity factors across two emblematic French regions with the highest electoral returns for the FN, namely Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and Hauts-de-France. We find that the French FN has adapted its supply of national populism to different arenas and contexts where cultural and economic issues vary in salience and in the resonance they find in the political process. In doing so, the FN seems to be successfully meeting the needs and interests of the local constituencies that it targets. However, this may produce greater ideological and organizational heterogeneity, possibly hampering the party's electoral prospects nationally.

Abstract

International audience

Additional details