In a bid to curb the rising tide of populism in France ahead of the European elections, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has highlighted the detrimental effects of Brexit on Britain.
Attal’s comments aim to discourage support for the far-right National Rally party, led by Marine Le Pen.
Appointed by President Emmanuel Macron in January, the 35-year-old Prime Minister did not mince words during an interview. “Don’t let’s be like the British, who cried after Brexit,” Attal stated, referencing the regret many in the UK feel post-Brexit.
As France gears up for the European Parliament elections in June, Attal is rallying support for Macron’s centrist candidate list.
Polls indicate Macron’s list currently holds about 16 percent of voter backing, trailing behind Le Pen’s National Rally, which boasts support from over 30 percent of the electorate.
Attal, often seen as Macron’s protégé, is drawing a direct comparison between Brexit and the potential consequences of National Rally’s policies.
Although National Rally once advocated for a French exit from the EU, or “Frexit,” Le Pen had since abandoned this stance.
Despite this, Attal suggests the party remains covertly committed to the idea, cautioning of the “very dangerous” consequences if they gain significant power in the European elections.
“Will we be stronger by shutting ourselves away? We will not be stronger by being more alone,” Attal emphasized.
He pointed out that a substantial portion of the British populace regrets Brexit, lamenting either their absence at the polls or their vote for what he describes as a negative outcome for the country.
Attal also underscored the challenges faced by the UK since its departure from the EU, including increased illegal immigration and significant economic difficulties.
“Today there is more illegal immigration than ever in the UK since they left the European Union. There are massive economic difficulties in the UK because they left the European Union.”
Gabriel Attal
Addressing the potential fallout of National Rally’s proposals, Attal warned of the implications of disregarding EU rules.
“When you say you are not going to respect the rules of the single market anymore, not pay France’s dues, and stop respecting most of the treaties, the reality is that we are no longer in the EU. Will France be the country that sends the largest contingent of far-right lawmakers to the European parliament?”
Gabriel Attal
Britain ‘Plays the Ostrich’ Amidst Brexit Challenges
Attal’s remarks come on the heels of President Macron’s criticisms of Brexit. Earlier this month, Macron claimed that leaving the EU has “impoverished the United Kingdom” and failed to address immigration issues.
In an interview with The Economist, Macron remarked, “Well, despite that, some people think it doesn’t look so bad. But nobody dares to say that anything is wrong. And so nobody is taking responsibility for anything.”
The French electorate is scheduled to cast their votes on June 8 to elect 81 of the 720 Members of the European Parliament.
Britain’s decision to leave the European Union stemmed from a combination of factors. Key issues included a desire to regain sovereignty and control over national laws, immigration concerns, and economic arguments about EU membership costs versus benefits.
The 2016 referendum revealed deep divisions within the country, with proponents of Brexit arguing that it would restore national independence and boost economic opportunities.
However, opponents warned of potential economic downturns and political isolation from Europe. The vote ultimately favored leaving, leading to Brexit.
As the election date approaches, Attal’s stark warnings aim to sway voters away from the allure of populism by highlighting the harsh realities a post-Brexit Britain faces.
