Denis Moreau, a French philosopher and self-described "Catholic of the left," has raised concerns about the growing influence of the far-right in France. He has referenced a concept from Christian eschatology—the idea of a katechon, a force that delays the coming of the Antichrist—to describe what he sees as a troubling political trend. Moreau, who identifies as a Catholic and supports left-leaning candidates when possible, has criticized the far-right for its historical and modern links to xenophobia, antisemitism, authoritarianism, and aggressive patriotism. He views these tendencies as a threat to democratic values and social cohesion.
Moreau has pointed to the long-term rise of the National Front, now known as the National Rally, as a key example of this trend. He recalled the party’s breakthrough in the 1984 European elections, when it achieved over 10% of the vote, marking a significant shift in French politics. Another pivotal moment came in the 2002 presidential election, when Jean-Marie Le Pen, the party’s founder, unexpectedly reached the second round of voting, despite his controversial views. This event shocked many and highlighted the far-right’s growing appeal in France.
Moreau also noted the continued influence of the National Rally in recent years. In the 2017 and 2022 presidential elections, Marine Le Pen, Jean-Marie Le Pen’s daughter, secured 33% and 42% of the vote, respectively, showing the party’s enduring popularity. In 2024, following President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to dissolve the National Assembly, the National Rally came close to winning a majority in the legislative elections but ultimately fell short. Despite this, Moreau sees the situation as increasingly precarious.
Expressing a sense of urgency, Moreau believes the current political landscape in France is approaching a critical point. He warns that without significant changes in public sentiment or policy, the rise of the far-right could lead to deeper divisions and challenges for democracy. His comments reflect a broader concern among intellectuals and political observers about the trajectory of French society and the forces shaping its future.
French Intellectual Seeks 'Katechon' to Halt Far-Right Rise
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