In fact, the unveiling of the National Front's propositions clearly annoyed these "respectable" right wing forces who expected a less radical response from a party that is making serious electoral advances. By taking such an openly racist position, the FN clearly hopes to avoid being outflanked by other right-wing forces. Nevertheless, if experience is a guide, more than a few of the FN's fifty propositions will soon become part of the discourse of the French political mainstream — 18 Keith Mann * International Viewpoint #218 • December 9, 1991 political ground from under their feet.
But now they are making a comeback.
is certain is that the figures for 1991 and 1992 will be higher. Not all these attacks are the work of supporters of the fascist groups. Many are carried out by neighbours or groups of youths who go looking for victims. Racism is becoming respectable again.
The pro-Tory papers are carrying more and more stories about immigrants making fraudulent social security claims, and fabricating and distorting stories about immigrants being given council houses in preference to whites.