In the 2017 French presidential election, Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right Rassemblement National (formerly Front National), surprised many by adopting a rhetoric that aligned closely with environmentalist concerns.
She positioned herself as a protector of the environment, as well as the health of farmers and consumers.
Le Pen promised to enshrine the French people’s right to “environmental security” in the Constitution, advocated for permaculture in farming, and emphasized the agricultural sector’s excellence in terms of environmental and health standards.
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However, fast forward seven years, and the rhetoric of the far-right party has taken a sharp turn. As the agricultural sector faced a crisis in mid-January, the Rassemblement National (RN) shifted its stance to align with the majority agricultural unions, declaring war on environmental and health regulations.
The party no longer advocates for reducing the use of plant treatment products and has downplayed their long-term harmful effects. Instead, the RN now prioritizes its fight against what it perceives as “punitive ecology,” placing it above the goal of securing farmers’ incomes.
This shift in rhetoric is significant, as it reveals a strategic move by the far-right party to appeal to a different segment of voters.
By aligning with the majority of agricultural unions, the RN aims to gain support from farmers who prioritize production capacity over environmental concerns. This change in stance reflects a broader political trend of prioritizing economic interests over environmental sustainability.
The RN’s new position on pesticides and other phytosanitary products is a departure from the environmentalist rhetoric that Le Pen adopted during her 2017 campaign.
Previously, she acknowledged the negative economic impact of these products when considering their side effects on the community. She highlighted the importance of protecting France’s resources, such as soils, forests, water, pollinators, and species diversity.
However, the party’s current rhetoric no longer emphasizes the negative consequences of pesticides and herbicides. Instead, it focuses on the potential harm reduction measures could have on the production capacity of the French farming and wine-growing sectors.
By aligning with the majority of agricultural unions, the RN aims to present itself as a defender of farmers’ interests, even if it means overlooking the long-term environmental and health implications.
This shift in rhetoric raises questions about the party’s commitment to environmental protection and its willingness to prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term sustainability.
It also highlights the complex relationship between politics and the agricultural sector, where economic interests often take precedence over environmental concerns.
