With his book “Fraternité nationale, le counter-power of the RN” to be published on June 10 by Éditions Il est Midi, the Chaurian author Pierre Paraire seeks to understand the reasons for the electoral success of the National Rally and the progression of the party in the French political landscape.
To be published on June 10 by Éditions Il est Midi, the new book by author Chaurien, trade unionist at the FSU and former activist of the French Communist Party, Pierre Paraire, entitled “National Brotherhood, the counter-power of the RN” is part of a political context marked by the electoral progress of the Rassemblement national. Through his work, the author seeks to understand the reasons for the party’s electoral progress as well as the effects of its policies on democratic life.
A strategy of “demonization”
The book reminds us that the RN appeals to a variety of voters: employees in difficulty, traders, self-employed people or even citizens feeling abandoned. According to Pierre Paraire, the “demonization” strategy led by Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella allowed the party to gain credibility among part of the population. “The RN sought to break with the legacy of Jean-Marie Le Pen, long associated with controversial remarks and a history marked by the radical far right. However, this break remains partial,” explains Pierre Paraire in his book.
However, the Chaurian author believes that the ideas of the RN continue to ask important questions about equality between citizens, solidarity and the place given to differences in society. He recalls in particular that “a society cannot be built sustainably on fear, rejection or the designation of scapegoats”.
The fight must be the bearer of an “alternative project”
One of the main messages of the book is that the fight against the National Rally must not be limited to criticism. “The progression of far-right ideas cannot be fought either by moral indignation alone, nor by symbolic erasure,” states Pierre Paraire. The fight must also offer concrete solutions. As the author writes: “The fight against these ideas cannot only be defensive. It must be the bearer of an alternative project.”
Known in Castelnaudary for his numerous works which do not hesitate to create controversy, Pierre Paraire defends a policy based on fraternity, social justice, dialogue and respect for democratic values. Throughout his book, he insists on the importance of a more united society, where everyone finds their place. A conviction that he sums up in one sentence: “Brotherhood is not a weakness but a strength.”
“The arrival of the RN in Carcassonne is not an accident”
Among the notable chapters of his book is a study devoted to the city of Carcassonne. The author analyzes the developments observed since the arrival of the mayor RN, Christophe Barthès, at the head of the municipality. For the author, “the election of Barthès and the arrival of the National Rally at the head of the town hall of Carcassonne are not an accident, but the result of a balance of forces which obliges us collectively”.
The chapter focuses in particular on the relationships between the municipality and several local actors, such as associations, unions and the media. Pierre Paraire questions the place given to counter-powers and democratic debate in the management of the city. Through the example of Carcassonne, the author shows that the debate does not only concern the ideas defended by the RN. It also concerns the way in which power is exercised on a daily basis.
Through this book, Pierre Paraire invites readers to think about the future of democracy, the importance of dialogue and the role of counter-powers in society. He defends values such as solidarity, social justice and living together, which he considers essential to face today’s political challenges.
