National Front Party Gains In French Elections

Fear is a strong motivator, especially when it is coupled with economic distress.  The National Front Party, which has similarities to the populist Tea Party in the US, was the big winner in the recent French elections.  The terrorist attacks in Paris produced a strong response from President Hollande, but most of his measures were similar to policies that have been promoted by the National Front Party for some time.  The threats of terrorism and large scale immigration within, and into the Eurozone, have changed the political climate in France and other EZ nations.  Populist parties have eroded the power and authority of the major political parties which have supported European economic integration.  The situation in France resembles the tensions within the Republican Party in the US between populists and establishment Republicans.  There is little in common between Tea Party supporters and moderate conservatives.