The Nazis campaigned for years before Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor by President Paul von Hindenburg. Despite significant electoral gains, the Nazis never secured an outright majority. Hitler lost to the war hero Hindenburg in the presidential election, a clear indicator of the German people’s reservations about him. It wasn’t until intense political maneuvering and pressure from right-wing factions that Hindenburg reluctantly appointed Hitler as Chancellor in January 1933.
Hitler swiftly capitalized on this new power. Following the Reichstag fire in February 1933, he convinced Hindenburg to sign the Reichstag Fire Decree, suspending civil liberties and enabling the arrest of political opponents. The Enabling Act soon followed, granting Hitler dictatorial powers. With Hindenburg’s death in 1934, Hitler merged the presidency with the chancellorship, solidifying his totalitarian regime.
In contemporary France, the far-right, represented by Marine Le Pen and her party, the National Rally (Rassemblement National), has faced setbacks at the polls. However, the underlying issues that initially boosted their popularity remain unresolved. If the current leftist government fails to address these concerns and internal conflicts arise, it could pave the way for the far-right to gain significant traction in future elections. The electorate’s fear of a radical left agenda might further drive support towards Le Pen, potentially leading to a decisive victory and a stronghold over the French government, reminiscent of Hitler’s rise in Germany.
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This historical perspective underscores the importance of addressing underlying societal issues and maintaining political unity to prevent the rise of extremist ideologies.
