Far-Right France

‘A crisply written, meticulously researched narrative with the structure of a long-read news feature: factual, analytical but easy to digest, and free of polemic, as he promises in the preface… Aware of the French aphorism that Paris is not France nor France Paris, Mallet has also taken his notebook outside the capital, where RN support is strongest and growing [and] puts the party’s fortunes in the context of nationalist and populist currents in Europe and the wider world.’

‘Mallet’s book offers useful insights into the social and political transformations that have enabled a party long marginalised and ostracised by the mainstream to now occupy a central place in French politics … clearly illustrates the [political] rifts that now exist … [and] accurately identifies the sources of popular anger.’

‘Mallet is at home with French history’s successive waves of declinisme over the last 150 years, a conviction that the nation is going to the dogs, economically and culturally… . he quite rightly discerns that the Achilles heel of the party is its economic programme, or absence thereof.’

‘A very readable, deeply reported examination of what could be the next great political upheaval to hit the West. Victor Mallet understands the centuries-old history of the French far right, arguably dating back to its “defeat” of 1789, but he is also on top of the present, and has spoken to today’s most important actors. Read it to avoid future shocks.’

‘Après Macron… Marine? With the next French political revolution predicted to come from the radical right, this is a smart, timely and clear-eyed guide to how the party founded by Jean-Marie Le Pen shed its pariah status, won over middle France and placed itself in pole position to claim the presidency.’

‘A compelling, vivid and indispensable account of one of the most consequential political developments for Europe in the twenty-first century: the inexorable rise of the French populist far right.’

‘Victor Mallet combines deep reporting and historical perspective to chart the National Rally’s move from the fringes to the very center of French politics. Venturing far beyond Paris, Mallet delves into the anger and alienation of the provinces that drive the far right’s rise. A window into the political shifts transforming the country, this is the book that no one interested in the future of Europe can afford to ignore.’

‘A real reporter’s account.’

‘For anyone interested in France as well as the future of Europe, Mallet’s book is essential reading. The urgency of his warnings is perfectly balanced with understanding and compassion.

‘Victor Mallet deftly traces the origins the of French far right and lays out the stakes for the movement’s continuing rise. A must for anyone who cares about France and its future.’

‘An acute, punchy account of how the far right has taken the lead in French politics—and of the dangers that represents. A penetrating panorama, melding political analysis and grassroots reporting.’

‘An indispensable and accessible introduction to the seemingly inexorable rise of the extreme right in contemporary France. It is entirely plausible that the Rassemblement National of Marine Le Pen will come to power in France in 2027. This lively and well-informed book by a seasoned observer of French politics explains why France finds itself in this situation and what it portends for the future.’

Victor Mallet is an award-winning correspondent who has spent decades reporting from Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia for the Financial Times and Reuters. The author of River of Life, River of Death and The Trouble With Tigers, he has interviewed politicians including Marine Le Pen and Emmanuel Macron.