Securitizing the Muslim Identity: Far-Right Rhetoric, Media Framing, and National Identity in France

Abstract

This research examines the role of far-right wing political rhetoric in influencing the perceptions of the Muslim population in France, with a particular focus on the North African, especially Algerian community. In light of the changes following the Arab Spring and growing concerns about Islamic extremism, the rise of far-right movements—particularly the National Rally (Rassemblement National)—in France has significantly impacted political discourse and public opinion. By analyzing key figures such as Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, this thesis investigates how the far-right movement has politically securitized and weaponized fears surrounding terrorism and migration to frame Muslims as a cultural and political threat. Starting with a thorough analysis of speeches by Bardella as a prominent figure from the National Rally, both in the Media (such as BFMTV, CNews) and in the press conferences he led, this project reveals how their rhetoric reinforces the exclusionary notions of Frenchness. For the purpose of this study, we have selected speeches delivered within the two years preceding the 2024 French legislative elections; to analyze the evolvement of the right-wing voice and to ensure a focus on campaign rhetoric and strategic messaging aimed at influencing voter perceptions during the critical pre-elections period. The members of the National Rally (RN) tend to frequently position the French Muslim population, and migration descendant particularly of north African origins, as outsiders who challenge the cultural, religious, and national identity of France. The voices of this narratives have been amplified by media portrayals and coverage, which often echo far-right framing the Muslim community as inherently linked to extremism, deepening public fears and legitimizing discriminatory policies or hate speech. The analysis is rooted in the historical context of France’s colonial legacy, especially its historic relationship with Algeria, and the European demographic changes brought about by the Arab Spring. It critically delves into how the National Rally, as a far-right movement in Europe, has capitalized on incidents of extremist violence to generalize negative perceptions of the entire Muslim community, picturing them as incompatible with French values and the Republic. This study also investigates how this discourse intersects with broader debates on immigration, secularism (Laïcité) and the presumed French national identity. By emphasizing the interplay between political discourse and media representation, this thesis aims to provide a thorough understanding of how the far-right constructs and propagates a polarized national political identity. It highlights the implications of these narrative for the Algerian and Muslim communities in France, who are progressively being marginalized and portrayed as “political intruders”, as well as for the broader ripple effect on societal cohesion in a country struggling with its multicultural reality.