Crisis of trust in France

Opposition rally intends to thwart Bayrou administration's budget reductions. Ex-chairman of the Left party, Bernd Riexinger, deliberates on if this resistance can counter the far-right faction as well.

, and Administrator

2025 September 15 . 7:34 PM

2 min read

Crisis of trust in France

In the political landscape of Europe, a growing concern about the potential shift towards the right or fascization is being felt, not just in France, but also in other countries. This apprehension has led to a heightened sense of vigilance among left-wing parties and unions.

In France, the Left party, Die Linke, has been at the forefront of this resistance. Bernd Riexinger, a former co-chair of the party, led the charge from 2012 to 2021. As the political landscape evolves, so does the strategy to counteract this trend.

One such strategy is the focus on a narrative that connects socio-ecological transformation with a new concept of prosperity. This approach aims to present changes as a condition for a better life, thereby combating fascism effectively.

In the same vein, unions in France have announced strikes and demonstrations for the following week, aiming to voice their concerns and resist any potential shifts towards the right.

Meanwhile, in Germany, the discussion about the far-right party, AfD, has been a contentious issue. No major party has officially discussed or formed a coalition with the AfD. However, the right-wing of the CDU in Germany has no principled objections to cooperating with the AfD, causing the so-called firewall to crumble.

The left in Germany must highlight the neoliberal character of right-wing politics and inform that the extreme right is against legal minimum wages, rent control, taxation of wealth, and area-based wage agreements, among others.

Moreover, the concept of "social antifascism" is proposed as a strategy to combat fascism. This approach involves exposing the social causes of the shift to the right, organizing resistance against attacks on wages, working conditions, and social systems.

Industrial struggles, social and ecological movements, and extra-parliamentary movements are indispensable in the fight against fascism. A grassroots initiative for a general strike on September 10th has emerged in France, reflecting this grassroots approach.

Democratic socialism, societal appropriation of the economy by a majority of the population, overcoming all forms of exploitation and oppression, and a new relationship between society and nature are fundamental components of a politics transcending capitalism.

In France, the socialists have expressed their lack of confidence in President Bayrou, who will put the question of confidence to the French Parliament on September 8th. The extreme right in France also wants to vote against Bayrou, adding to the political tension.

The consensus of the mentioned parties for the most massive military buildup since the end of the war is driving the militarization of politics and society in Germany. This consensus, however, is a concern for those advocating for peace and social justice.

Alliances against the right remain important to maintain pressure on the Union and prevent a coalition with the AfD. The left must formulate a recognizable system alternative beyond the demand for redistribution, offering a vision for a better future that transcends capitalism.