Rejecting the extreme

The results of the first round of the French elections held recently jolted everyone, with the extreme-right wing represented by Jean-Marie Le Pen and French President Jacques Chirac garnering a higher percentage of votes than Lionel Jospin. The reaction to the extreme right wing's victory was reflected in the demonstrations by millions in France and the disappointment felt by many in the EU and other countries. They expressed their protest against the extreme right wing party and their worry that such ideologies would dominate. This strong reaction resulted in the victory of Chirac in the second round. The Arab press discussed these latest developments and their implications.

* France has confirmed its adherence to its democratic institution and rejected the extreme right wing candidate, Le Pen, who was defeated in the final round of the French elections, says Asharq Al-Awsat (based in UK) in its editorial comment.

The elections gave France a chance to contemplate its internal affairs and analyse why voters had chosen an adventurer and extremist. Describing everyone who voted for Le Pen as extremist is not accurate as there is no evidence to prove that. But what causes anxiety is the implication that beneath the tolerant French stand there lies a great deal of hatred, adds Asharq Al-Awsat.

The French people's leaning towards the extreme right wing was a result of Le Pen taking advantage of their disillusionment with the social and economic conditions over the last two decades. Furthermore, fear of the future, a longing for the past, and the emergence of new lifestyles that threaten old beliefs and traditions were the other reasons behind such a swing, says Asharq Al-Awsat.

In essence, all these problems should be solved in order for the extreme right wing to be defeated and completely excluded from the political scene. Chirac's success in the final round of elections is only a first step towards regaining the people's trust in the French regime since more than 40 per cent of the voters from both the left and right wing have shown their desire to do away with the existing system. Therefore, winning these voters back is a complicated mission that Chirac alone cannot achieve, adds Asharq Al-Awsat.

France had not had a solid stand on many issues because power was shared between a conservative president and a socialist government. For this reason, the forthcoming parliamentary elections should solve the problem by giving more votes to the re-elected president so that he can perform his duties in a better and more efficient way, concludes Asharq Al-Awsat.

* The reason behind the success of the extreme right in France's first round of elections was that the working class was disappointed and had lost faith in France's traditional politicians and their belief that the most important contradiction is the one between the left and the right wing, writes Mohammad Sayed Ahmad in Al-Khaleej (UAE).

In fact, this phenomenon is prevalent as the extreme right wing has expanded in several European countries. It has replaced the middle left wing in Austria, Italy, Norway, Denmark, and Portugal. It has also obtained a large number of votes in Germany and Holland. The distinguishing factor is that the extreme right has moved from the margin to the centre of the political arena. It has benefited from the voters' anger and the link they have made between the increase in the number of immigrants from less developed countries and the increase in crime rates, adds Ahmad.

The most important aspect that the first round of the French elections highlighted was that the strong contradiction lies not between the right wing and the left wing but between the extremists and moderates of both the wings. Indeed, the moderate members have shared power under the leadership of Chirac (De Gaul) and Jospin (coalition of left wing), says Ahmad.

Deep disillusionment

Undoubtedly, there are differences in the circumstances behind the French elections and the September 11 attacks against the U.S. However, there are also many common factors. In both the situations, there was a deep degree of disillusionment and an intention to change the existing regimes by any method even if it was through violence and terrorism. Indeed, violence has been added to the equation even in countries with a tradition and heritage of democracy, says Ahmad.

In fact, many were attracted by Le Pen's demagogical speech as he highlighted the depression, bigotry and insecurity felt by many citizens. And in this perspective there is similarity between the French elections and the international situation that resulted from the September 11 attacks. The French elections indicate that these events comprise the focal point that determines the future. And if we are to learn lessons from these events and what's happening in Palestine, then it would be naive on our part to be confident that there won't be another world war, concludes Ahmad.

* Analysts consider Le Pen's success in the first round of the French elections as a political curve that brings to memory the success of Hitler who came to power in the 1933 elections, writes Mohammad Qirat in Al-Bayan (UAE).

In the last four years, the extreme right parties have taken over power in Europe. This happened first in Switzerland in 1999, followed by Austria in 2000. The scene in Germany is also gloomy after the ruling parties failed to fulfil the people's demands, adds Qirat.

Moreover, a number of the ruling parties in Germany, France and Italy face scandals of corruption and abuse of power. This has resulted in "punitive" polling as voters tried to punish the ruling parties by voting for their rivals and, at the same time, granting those other parties a chance to solve their unsolved problems, adds Qirat.

Hence, the emergence of neo-Nazis in Germany and neo-fascists coming to power with Berlusconi in Italy. Even in most Scandinavian countries that are known for their tolerance, strong economy and few immigrants the extreme right was heading for power, says Qirat.

The other factor that helped these groups come to power was the failure of the ruling parties in overcoming the economic problems of recession, unemployment and the consequences of the common EU currency. That is, the promises of these parties were never fulfilled and the public was disappointed with the economic and social situation during the left wing's rule, adds Qirat.

In addition, the international situation after the September 11 attacks has been used by many to implant feelings of hatred and revenge against immigrants, especially Arabs and Muslims. This, in turn, has led to the door being opened wide for the extremist parties to propose their political programmes. Globalisation has also had a negative impact on Europe in spite of its benefits since the U.S. controls and dominates the international economy and international trade. For example, the imposition of customs duties on European steel, not signing the Kyoto agreement, and the anti-missiles agreement are all proof of such dominance, says Qirat.

As some Europeans strongly believe that the increase in the number of immigrants threatens European identity and culture, the extreme right wing has made use of such sentiments by projecting immigrants as the cause of all social and economic problems. In fact, the