Francois-Xavier Bellamy, the French right-wing candidate for the upcoming EU elections, is lagging behind in the polls and is focused on boosting his campaign. He has announced the French Republican party’s program, highlighting immigration and European sovereignty as key themes. Bellamy is in favor of building physical walls at the borders of the EU, similar to former US President Donald Trump’s promise. The program also includes maintaining a safeguard clause for member countries to reestablish control of their borders in emergencies. To strengthen European sovereignty, Bellamy advocates for less regulation, more investment in technology, and re-industrializing the continent. He also proposes increasing contributions to a common European defense effort to 3% of GDP.
In order to achieve his goals, Bellamy states that his party will not vote for current EU Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen, who is part of the European People’s Party in Brussels. He believes that his party is the only right-wing party in France that can effectively represent the country in Brussels. Bellamy emphasizes the importance of influencing the EPP by voting against Von Der Leyen in order to make France’s voice heard in the European debate. Despite facing competition from President Emmanuel Macron’s Renaissance party and the far-right National Rally party, which is currently leading in the polls, the traditional right-wing party only has 8% of the voting intentions.
The right-wing candidate’s focus on immigration and European sovereignty as key campaign themes, including the proposal to build physical walls at the EU borders, reflects a Trump-style approach to politics. Bellamy’s vision for Europe includes less regulation, increased investment in technology, and re-industrialization to strengthen the continent’s position in the world. He also advocates for higher contributions to a common European defense effort as a means of enhancing European sovereignty. By opposing the re-election of Ursula Von Der Leyen and asserting his party’s role in representing French interests within the EPP, Bellamy aims to position himself as a significant player in shaping Europe’s future.
Despite facing challenges in the polls and competition from other political parties, Francois-Xavier Bellamy remains committed to his campaign platform centered around immigration and European sovereignty. He believes that by advocating for physical walls at the EU borders and opposing the re-election of Ursula Von Der Leyen, his party can make a meaningful impact on the future direction of Europe. While the traditional right-wing party may be trailing behind in voting intentions, Bellamy’s focus on key issues and his determination to assert France’s voice in Brussels set him apart in a crowded political landscape. Ultimately, the success of his campaign will depend on his ability to gain support and effectively convey his vision for a stronger, more sovereign Europe to voters.
