‘After Attacking the Pope…’ Even France’s Far-Right Le Pen is ‘Cutting Ties’ with Trump

The Dong-A Ilbo reports on a significant shift in European right-wing politics, with even staunch allies like France's Marine Le Pen publicly distancing themselves from former U.S. President Donald Trump. This move signals a growing perception that aligning with Trump has become a political liability rather than an asset, particularly as he faces increasing political isolation.

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We need to maintain a distance from Trump.

The article highlights Le Pen's recent directive to her party members to maintain distance from Trump, a stark contrast to their previous close association. This strategic pivot is largely attributed to the recent electoral setbacks of Trump-aligned figures, such as Viktor Orbán in Hungary, whose defeat was seen by many in the European right as a consequence of being too closely tied to Trump. The "Trump effect," once seen as a potential boon, is now viewed as a "hindrance" in European elections.

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The excessive closeness with Trump was the cause of the shocking defeat.

Furthermore, Trump's controversial actions and statements, notably his criticism of the Pope, have alienated key segments of the European electorate, particularly among conservative and Catholic populations. Figures like Italy's Giorgia Meloni have reportedly withdrawn their support following this incident, and even within Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, there's a growing sentiment that overt displays of friendship with Trump are detrimental. Economic factors, such as rising energy prices linked to geopolitical instability, are also cited as reasons for European voters turning away from Trump and, by extension, his European sympathizers.

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Trump's attack on the Pope became a decisive 'breaking point' for European right-wingers with strong Catholic support.

From a South Korean perspective, this development is noteworthy as it reflects a complex interplay of international relations, domestic politics, and evolving ideological alignments. While Western media might frame this as a simple political calculation, the Dong-A Ilbo's reporting emphasizes the internal dynamics within the European right and the specific cultural and religious sensitivities at play. The article's focus on Le Pen's "cutting ties" underscores the pragmatic, and perhaps even survivalist, nature of contemporary European conservatism, which is willing to jettison even erstwhile allies to navigate a changing political landscape. The narrative portrays European right-wing parties as actively trying to "erase Trump" to secure their own political futures, highlighting a strategic adaptation to global political trends.

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The association with Trump is like a millstone around our necks.