The Metabolism of the Right Populism in France of the 21st Century

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The phenomenon of a right populism in modern France is analyzed. In such context, the theoretical approaches of leading French historians, sociologists and political scientists to the definition of populism are considered. The main differences in the definition of populism by different specialists are shown. Different manifestations of populism such as the left-, rightwing, and emanating from the masses and the ruling elite are characterized. The features of a modern right-wing populism are reviewed on the example of the National Front Party (NF), headed by Marin Le Pen. The political, cultural, electoral and institutional factors that led to the growing popularity of the NF are studied. The specifics of the success of the “fronts” in various elections, beginning in 2012, are presented in a “long-term”, “medium-term” and “short-term” perspective. Weaknesses in governing the country of systemic ruling left and right parties, and the growth of distrust towards them by civil society are shown. The evolution of the National Front since the founding of the party by Jean-Marie Le Pen and internal party crises are considered. The author comes to the conclusion that, despite the fact that in the doctrinal plan the “marinists” have not moved away from the “national populism” that followed the NF congress on March 10-11, 2018, tactical actions and a change in the name of the party suggest that that the party is trying to become the second system right-wing party in France. Besides, the strong assertion of populism in global political culture has become a challenge to liberal democracy in the 21st century, so it could be expected to manifest itself in other far-right associations.