Recent reports by Mediapart have revealed antisemitic messages attributed to Jordan Bardella, a prominent figure in the French far-right. These messages are said to echo the rhetoric of Alain Soral, a well-known far-right thinker. Soral's antisemitism is described as a blend of traditional themes with modern communication strategies. His views include beliefs in a Jewish global conspiracy, a love of money, and Jewish misanthropy—ideas that have roots in the 19th century but are presented in contemporary contexts.
The discussion highlights how antisemitic themes have evolved over time. Some elements, such as the racial question, have seen a decline, while others persist or are reinterpreted. Themes related to Christianity have weakened due to dechristianization and the Church's stance after the Holocaust, though metaphorical forms of deicide still appear in modern discourse. Beliefs about the physical characteristics of Jews, such as horns or a mephitic smell, have largely disappeared due to increased access to information and improved societal understanding.
The antisemitic statements attributed to Bardella include themes of Jewish domination, misanthropy, and the love of money—concepts tied to classical antisemitism of the 19th century. These themes reference the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, the idea of Jewish misanthropy, and a focus on money and banking. Soral's influence on Bardella is noted, with Soral having a significant presence on the far right during the 2010s, using digital platforms to spread his message.
The far right's relationship with Israel is complex, with some members viewing it as a bulwark against Arab and Islamic threats, while others focus on antisemitism. Soral's rhetoric has attracted a following among young far-right militants, partly due to his emphasis on masculinity and gender hierarchies. The role of Jean-Marie Le Pen in shaping the far-right's antisemitic culture is also acknowledged, with Bardella's admiration for him potentially influencing his views.
The article suggests that the antisemitic statements attributed to Bardella are part of a broader pattern within the far right, with the National Rally (RN) maintaining a dual public and private discourse. While public statements are more moderate, private communications among members may include racist and antisemitic content. The RN's strategy under Marine Le Pen has focused on distancing the party from its historical antisemitic roots, though internal culture may still reflect these influences.
The broader implications of the Bardella affair include the long-standing connection between far-right politics and antisemitism in France, tracing back to the late 19th century and the emergence of modern antisemitism. This connection has persisted through various political movements, including the Front National, which has struggled to separate itself from antisemitic rhetoric despite efforts to de-diabolize the party. The case of Bardella is seen as part of this ongoing history, with potential consequences for the party's image and internal dynamics.
Antisemitism in Far-Right Politics and the Bardella Affair
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