Politics · France · 1 hr ago
A new book examines why more French women support the far right
Journalist Marie Charrel’s new book explores why some French women support the far right.
It focuses on women who now openly back parties such as the National Rally, or RN, France’s far-right party.
Marine Le Pen took over the party in 2011, and it was renamed the RN in 2018.
In the last three presidential elections, women voted for Le Pen as often as men with similar ages, education and social backgrounds.
Julie, a part-time sales worker from Saône-et-Loire, says the cost of fuel and filling the fridge weighs on her and may lead her to vote for the RN.
The book examines what has changed and whether Le Pen’s leadership and effort to soften the party’s image helped attract women.
Marie Charrel’s book examines why the far right is attracting more women voters in France.
The book, titled “Radicales. Why the far right appeals to women,” is due to be published on 14 October by Les Léonides.
Le Monde reports that women have voted for Marine Le Pen at the same rate as comparable men in the last three presidential elections.
The article says women had long stayed away from the far right, viewing it as too violent and radical.
- Who
- French women voters, as examined by journalist and author Marie Charrel.
- What
- A new book explores why some women are turning to the far right.
- When
- The book is due to be published on 14 October. The article was published on 13 October 2026.
- Where
- France.
- Why
- The book examines why the far right appeals to women and asks how much this shift reflects Marine Le Pen’s image and the party’s effort to soften its public image.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Marine Le Pen became president of the National Front.
The National Front changed its name to the National Rally (RN).
Women voted for Marine Le Pen at the same rate as men with similar ages, education and social class.
Marie Charrel’s book is due to be published by Les Léonides.
- Author
- Marie Charrel, a journalist at Le Monde
- Book
- Radicales. Why the far right appeals to women
- Publisher
- Les Léonides
- Length
- 304 pages
- Price
- €21.90
- Publication date
- 14 October
What people are saying
After thirty, and even more after 40, inequalities show on faces: the rich have the means to care for their skin that the poor do not.
Sources
Related news
Greta Thunberg joins French students protesting school conditions
French magistrates’ council opposes Rachida Dati’s proposed return to judiciary
French students resume protests as a policing expert defends officers’ weapons
Oxfam France challenges the state over tax inequality
France’s 2027 budget could change taxes on pensions, donations and severance pay
Lyon students continue protests, demanding more funding and better conditions
French high school students protest over school funding and Parcoursup
France faces backlash over bill changing rules on police firearms use
Ferrand says Le Pen cannot use Article 11 to revise France’s Constitution
Student protests put young voters on France’s presidential campaign agenda
Glucksmann wins French social-democratic primary but faces calls to clarify policies
