Many locals from the rural town of Gourin in Brittany have emigrated to the United States, leading Air France to award the town a miniature Statue of Liberty. Despite the town’s strong ties with immigration, almost one-third of voters supported the far-right National Rally in the recent European Parliament elections. The centrist mayor of Gourin, Hervé Le Floc’h, expressed surprise and concern about the rise of the far right, especially with the French legislative election approaching. The region of Brittany has historically been a stronghold for centrist and left-wing politics, making the recent surge in support for the National Rally unexpected.
The far-right’s message of high crime rates and immigration issues resonates with some residents of Gourin, despite the town’s low crime rate and lack of immigration concerns. There is a sense of dissatisfaction with the ruling elite in Paris and a feeling of abandonment among some locals, contributing to the appeal of the far-right party. The National Rally emphasizes “national preference,” advocating for benefits and resources to be reserved for French citizens over non-French residents, which attracts voters looking for equity and change.
The fear of immigration and the perceived threat of social issues affecting other parts of France are prevalent among residents of Gourin. The National Rally candidate for Parliament, Nathalie Guihot-Vieira, acknowledges that these fears are not based on the reality of the area but on the possibility that such issues may arise in the future. Despite efforts by Marine Le Pen, the party’s leader, to distance the party from its racist past, skepticism remains among some residents, highlighting concerns about the party’s fundamental values and principles.
Some locals are attracted to the National Rally’s promises of addressing social and economic issues that affect rural areas like Gourin. The party’s focus on providing services to French citizens over immigrants resonates with voters who feel neglected by the current government and the traditional political establishment. As the national election approaches, there is uncertainty about how voters in Brittany, including in Gourin, will cast their ballots. The mayor, Hervé Le Floc’h, wonders if the recent surge in support for the far-right party was just a protest vote or if it signals a deeper shift in political preferences in the region.
Overall, the rise of the National Rally in Gourin and Brittany reflects a broader trend of shifting political allegiances in rural areas of France. Despite the town’s strong connections to immigration and its history of emigration to the United States, economic and social concerns are driving some residents to support the far-right party. The upcoming French legislative election will provide further insights into the political landscape of the region and the country as a whole, with high turnout expected and uncertainties about the future direction of politics in Gourin and beyond.
