The author raises what seems a complicated issue, which translates into something like Real Politik.
His argument follows some common steps, and these are often used when coping with the extreme right( not an expert in French poltics):
- Marine Le Pen isn't/ wasn't too bad, compared to her Father and maybe with the new surging Leader.
- The rise of the new party leader Bardella thanks to tik-tok tactics
- Bardella is polled to gain 35 à 36% ( des Français se sont dit prêts à voter pour Bardella), which poses significant threat to the center and left parties
- The Left must come up with a good strategy for them to counter this rise, but will they?
The extreme right (and also the Trumpists & Putinist) are calling this a breach to democracy. Basically, gaslighting and issuing methodical disinformation about democratic values.
Leftist and Centrist fear, that they won't find a good political Programme to firewall a charismatic extreme right Populist like Bardella (Or fill in any other name).
From my Political analysis point of view, this isn't a situation unique to France. If democratic parties from Europe want to safeguard democracy, they will need to step up. In order to do so, they must start to unite, work from strength and not fear, and also use an anti-propaganda playbook. People and Politicians are still somewhat naive about the force of Propaganda,imo. Failing to do that, will result in political failure against the surging extreme Populists.
What we can appreciate though are the failguards of democratic values in Europe. If enough voters realise what is at stake here, democracy should remain safe, but not without continuous effort, both from voters and politicians.
I also miss mentioning "the elephant in the room".: we, Europe and our values, are Under Siege. Sometimes internally and more often externally. This democratic "emergency", unfortunately sometimes calls for "seemingly undemocratic" methods, because our politics relies on vows taken, trust and good husbandry.
So yes, we must clean the houses of certain individuals, those who are judged traitors to the European cause, while posing as democratic Politicians. We unfortunately live in such times, where we no longer can take the risk of appeasement nor do we have the luxury of forgiving individuals, whom by a constutinual court have been judged "guilty ". I am also hereby trusting to the courts and due to prcess. But, only to the extent of what my political engaged citizenship allows me. Ergo, one must use one own critical thinking, as a way to protect any bias or influence, within and without. It will always be a difficult balancing act. (ed: some polishing)