Has the time come for Donald Trump and the European far right to openly align themselves? The French justice system has sidelined Marine Le Pen, just when she seemed close to reaching the peak of the Fifth Republic—the presidency—and the candidate's European colleagues are up in arms. The case of embezzlement is so obvious—European money used in Brussels for contracts and current expenses of the party in France—that legal criticism has little scope, and the far right has already jumped directly to challenging the system. Democratic scandal, institutional coup d'état, is the refrain resonating throughout Orbán's Europe—"I am Marine"—and the far right, who daily follow the Trumpian ritual of disavowing democratic legality.
Trump had just announced a new maneuver against American institutions, explaining his intention to seek a third term, violating procedures as much as necessary, when the pro-Le Pen uproar unfolded with the American president's recurring arguments that the judges are corrupt and that this isn't democracy. In fact, it shouldn't be surprising that a president who came to power with twenty-four judicial charges refuses to understand what happened to Le Pen. And we can't rule out entering a phase in which, without any euphemism, the European right could become Trumpist, and therefore, a multiplication of campaigns to discredit the judiciary and to embark on a process of blatant politicization of any decision that affects them.
So, after Marine Le Pen's conviction, a double question arises. First, how will this case impact French politics and its implications at the European level? Will the impact benefit Régroupé Nationale in particular and the European far right in general, or will it fade after the initial moments of tension and some semblance of reality prevail? Second, to what extent would increased radicalization lead the European far right to openly align itself with Trumpism, bringing into Europe the democracy-destructive practices that Trump proclaims and legitimizes every day?
In part, it all depends on France. Will Le Pen's judicial indictment have an impact on the French political landscape? Will the segment of voters on the border between the far right and the right react in favor of the accused, or will they rather act conservatively, respecting the judiciary? Clearly, Le Pen will try to capitalize on the outrage, which will likely delay the change of leadership within the party. Will she have enough strength to give credence to her irritation? On the other side—the conventional right—there is no personality with the authority and charisma to be able to redirect things and rebuild the moderate space. The radical temptation may have some ground to fall.
The other factor comes from America. With one unknown: will the United States interpret this as an opportunity to directly make a dent in France and, by extension, in Europe? Or will Trump, who is really only thinking about himself, treat them condescendingly, assuming they will be at his command, but keeping his distance from the Europeans, always suspected of evil intentions, of self-interest that leads to betrayal?
It's been a while since the word fear It's repeated unusually in conversations. How many times a day do we hear people say, "I'm worried because I don't know where it's all going to end"? The right continues to shift toward the far right across Europe, swelled by votes. Will Le Pen's victimization pay off? Will it cross borders? The risk is there. France is not in a position to face a challenge of this kind after Macron got lost in politicking and got caught up in supporting minority governments. If the far right capitalizes on this crisis, it could snowball. And Europe could take a giant step backward. To Trump's greater glory.
