OPINION | Two Mindsets at the Table: The Businessman and the Economist

Posted on July 27, 2025 by samermajzoub

In an era when the outcome of a single negotiation can shift the course of markets, shape public confidence, or redraw trade lines, the mindset of the negotiator often matters as much as the substance of the agreement itself. Two familiar approaches stand out in public life and private boardrooms alike: the mindset of the seasoned entrepreneur and that of the careful economist.

The businessman’s perspective is shaped by experience in competitive markets, brand building, and deal making where results are visible and immediate. This style is assertive and pragmatic, relying on direct pressure, clear leverage, and a willingness to test limits in pursuit of favourable terms. It often treats negotiation as a contest in which decisive action and a clear win can break impasses and deliver quick results.

The economist’s approach, by contrast, draws on an analytical view of how decisions echo through broader systems. Guided by data, risk analysis, and long term considerations, this mindset values balance, stability, and the resilience of the institutions involved. For the economist, the best agreements are rarely dramatic or headline grabbing. Instead, they are designed to be durable, reasonable, and unlikely to produce unintended consequences that could undermine their benefits in the years to come.

These contrasting instincts each offer strengths and carry risks. A forceful push for immediate gain can break deadlocks, but if not carefully designed, may unravel later under pressure. An overly cautious approach may safeguard stability but struggle to deliver timely breakthroughs when urgency is needed. In practice, the best outcomes often emerge when the discipline of careful analysis meets the momentum of decisive action.

When these two ways of thinking find common ground, negotiations can lead to solutions that serve all parties more sustainably. A clear drive to secure tangible benefits, balanced by thoughtful planning and risk management, can help ensure that agreements do not simply deliver short term advantage, but also stand the test of time.

As global economic challenges grow more complex, leaders in both public policy and business would do well to remember that sustainable deals depend on more than a firm handshake or a headline announcement. They require the patience to weigh trade offs, the courage to act boldly when the moment demands it, and above all, the wisdom to keep tomorrow’s consequences firmly in view when decisions are made today.

Investment Transition Planning for Spouses and Children

Posted on May 9, 2025 by samermajzoub

*Highlights on Tax Impacts on Heirs.

When someone passes away, understanding what happens to their investments can be confusing , where we have both federal tax rules (CRA) and Quebec provincial civil law. This overview is intended to assist in explaining, in simple language, what happens to registered and non-registered investments after death, and how it tax implications affects your spouse and children.

Quick Comparison Table

Type of Investment	At Death	If Spouse Inherits	If Child Inherits
RRSP	Fully taxed unless rolled over	Can roll into spouse’s RRSP tax-free	Fully taxed unless child is dependent or disabled
RRIF	Same as RRSP	Transfer to spouse’s RRIF tax-free	Fully taxed unless child is dependent or disabled
TFSA	Not taxed	Spouse can take over tax-free	Child gets value tax-free, growth taxed
Non-Registered Investments	Deemed sold — capital gains taxed	Gains deferred to spouse	Estate pays gains; child taxed on future gains
Joint Accounts	May pass to joint holder	May avoid estate delays	Rare for children
Life Insurance	Tax-free to named beneficiary	Full amount tax-free	Full amount tax-free

Key Points to Understand

If your spouse inherits your registered accounts, they can roll them over tax-free. Ensure your spouse is named directly as beneficiary in the account.
If your children inherit your RRSP or RRIF, the value is usually fully taxed unless they are disabled or financially dependent.
Name beneficiaries directly in the account contract, not only in your will.
Quebec uses notarial wills and liquidators instead of probate and executors.
Incorrect or missing beneficiary designations can result in higher taxes and delays.

Simple Planning Tips

Use a notarial will
Review your investment accounts and life insurance policies regularly
Set up an RDSP for disabled children
Keep all estate documents up to date

More Information

*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified legal professional .

Amid Uncertainty in the Projected Federal Election Outcome: The Canadian Muslim Community Navigates Between Passivity and Civic Engagement!

Posted on April 12, 2025 by samermajzoub

By Samer Majzoub

The upcoming Canadian federal election presents a pivotal moment, especially amid uncertain outcomes. For Canada’s Muslim community, a vital and diverse part of the nation’s fabric, this moment brings both challenge and opportunity. While facing ongoing issues such as Islamophobia, civil rights violations, and political underrepresentation, the community must decide whether to remain on the margins or assertively engage in shaping Canada’s future.

Despite substantial contributions to larger Canadian society, many citizens of Muslim faith feel that core concerns like systemic discrimination and equal representation are often overlooked by mainstream political parties. This, coupled with growing disillusionment, raises doubts about the effectiveness of political participation. However, such uncertainty only reinforces the need for deeper civic engagement.

Islamophobia, marked by hate crimes, discriminatory rhetoric, policies and political platforms, and media bias, remains one of Canada’s most pressing issues. These realities discourage political involvement, yet they also highlight the urgent need for the community to use its electoral voice. Voting and political advocacy are not only rights, but essential tools for securing justice, equality, and inclusive policy.

Federal elections are a chance to push for change: from combating hate and protecting freedoms to advocating for fair foreign policy, especially concerning Palestine and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the West Bank. Strategic civic engagement can influence party platforms and bring overlooked issues to the forefront.

In key ridings across the country, the community vote can be decisive. Increased turnout can enhance visibility, influence outcomes, and demand attention to community needs. Political participation also helps challenge stereotypes, affirm diversity, and promote inclusive policy for all Canadians.

To foster this engagement, it’s crucial to raise awareness within the community about the tangible impact of political involvement. This includes holding candidates accountable, voicing key concerns, and supporting qualified community members to run for office.

Ultimately, the goal is a more prosperous, just and inclusive Canada, where all citizens live in harmony, treated equally and without discrimination on any grounds.

Breaking Barriers: Strengthening Economic Ties Between Canadian Provinces

Posted on March 22, 2025 by samermajzoub

*Samer Majzoub

Canada boasts a strong and resilient economy; yet interprovincial trade remains hindered by a complex web of regulatory, infrastructural, and policy-related barriers. Despite having free trade agreements with international partners, Canadian businesses and workers continue to face unnecessary obstacles when engaging in cross-provincial economic activity. These challenges ranging from differing regulations and labour mobility restrictions to infrastructure gaps and tax discrepancies lead to inefficiencies, higher costs, and lost economic opportunities. Addressing these issues is essential for fostering a more integrated and competitive national economy.

Obstacles to Interprovincial Trade

One of the most significant barriers to interprovincial trade is the inconsistency in regulations across provinces. Each jurisdiction sets its own standards for business operations, product labeling, safety regulations, and professional certifications, making it difficult for companies to expand beyond their home province. This lack of harmonization increases costs and discourages competition. Additionally, labour mobility is hampered by provincial licensing differences, preventing skilled professionals in sectors such as healthcare, engineering, and construction from easily moving to where they are most needed. Infrastructure challenges also play a role, as Canada’s vast geography and uneven investment in transportation networks result in costly and inefficient movement of goods and services. Some regions lack adequate roads, railways, and pipelines, further complicating economic exchanges.

Another major issue is provincial protectionism, where governments implement policies that favour local industries at the expense of broader economic integration. For instance, restrictions in the trucking and transportation industry, such as varying weight and size regulations for transport trucks, make cross-border freight movement more complicated and expensive. Similarly, government procurement policies often prioritize local businesses over interprovincial competitors, reducing market efficiency. Marketing boards controlling supply and pricing in industries like dairy and poultry also create artificial barriers that limit competitiveness. Additionally, tax inconsistencies across provinces, including variations in corporate and sales tax rates, add administrative burdens for businesses operating in multiple jurisdictions. The energy sector, which remains largely fragmented due to provincial control over natural resources and electricity grids, also suffers from inefficiencies that limit interprovincial cooperation and investment in shared infrastructure.

Path to a More Unified and Prosperous Economy To overcome these challenges, Canada must strengthen the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) by further reducing regulatory differences, eliminating redundant trade restrictions, and promoting a seamless business environment. Streamlining licensing and certification processes across provinces would improve labour mobility and allow workers to move freely, addressing skill shortages and boosting productivity. Similarly, investing in transportation infrastructure,

After Trudeau’s Resignation: Will the Community Play a Role in the Federal Liberal Party Leadership Election?

Posted on January 11, 2025 by samermajzoub

*Samer Majzoub

Following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation, the Federal Liberal Party finds itself at a crossroads, facing the need for crucial decisions within a tight timeframe. Trudeau, who led the party for several years, has paved the way for an internal election to select a new leader. This new leader will oversee the party and also act as prime minister until the general election later this year. However, the challenges are not limited to leadership change; the party is grappling with a significant decline in popularity, with recent polls showing difficulty in maintaining widespread support across Canada.

So far, several prominent Liberal figures have announced their candidacies for the leadership position. The Liberal Party has set March 9, 2025, as the date for the internal election. Candidates must declare their intention to run by January 23, 2025.

While some figures, such as Mélanie Joly, Canada’s Foreign Minister, and Dominique Leblanc, former Finance Minister, have withdrawn from the race, other potential candidates are still being considered. Many of these individuals have a history of engaging directly with community issues, which could make their roles during this period particularly significant.

The new leader will be chosen through a direct voting process by Liberal Party members. Though the election is open to all members, there are specific eligibility criteria for voting. Members must be registered with the party by January 27, 2025, be at least 14 years old, and be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or hold legal status under the Indigenous Peoples Act.

It’s important to note that, lately, the relationship between the community and the Liberal Party under Trudeau’s leadership has been fraught with tension, especially regarding the stance on sensitive issues such as the war in Gaza. Many community groups have criticized the Liberal government’s handling of the issue, leading to a loss of trust among community members in the party’s policies.

Despite these challenges, the political landscape in Canada requires that community concerns be integral to political party agendas. If the concerns of the community are not represented in party policies, this could have negative consequences, affecting the community’s well-being and its integration into Canadian society. Clearly, disengagement or distancing from decision-making could harm the community’s social and political standing, potentially exacerbating marginalization on key issues like civil rights, social justice, and economic opportunities.

The key questions now are: Should the community step back from the electoral process due to disillusionment with the Liberal Party’s past actions, or should it remain actively involved in the political process, ensuring its influence on policies that affect its identity and interests?

In fact, staying engaged is likely the best course of action at this point. Disengaging could have serious ramifications for the community’s future. The community must remain an active participant in the national political discourse, striving for positive change from within the political system rather than from the outside. This can be accomplished by supporting candidates who are attuned to the community’s concerns and who will ensure that its issues are prioritized in the political agenda.

The overarching question remains: Will the community actively engage in the selection of the new Liberal Party leader, or will it stay on the sidelines, deepening the sense of marginalization and weakening its ability to influence Canadian politics?

Civic Engagement: A Pillar of Active Citizenry and Collective Well-Being

Posted on November 19, 2024 by samermajzoub

*Samer Majzoub

Civic engagement is a fundamental component of a healthy, functioning society. It refers to the diverse ways in which individuals, communities, and organizations actively participate in shaping public life and contributing to the overall well-being of society. Civic engagement provides a means for citizens to influence their communities at large, promote social justice, and address global concerns. It is a cornerstone of active citizenship and plays an essential role in fostering a collective sense of responsibility, solidarity, and social cohesion.

Civic engagement is a multifaceted concept that encompasses various dimensions of participation, each playing a critical role in fostering a vibrant and well-functioning society. Political engagement is perhaps the most recognized form, involving activities that influence the political landscape and shape public policies. Citizens participate in the democratic process through voting, joining political parties, campaigning, attending communal meetings, or engaging in discussions on public policy. These activities empower individuals to voice their opinions and actively contribute to decisions that determine the direction of government and law.

Social engagement, on the other hand, focuses on building strong, interconnected communities. It encourages individuals to volunteer, participate in local groups, and foster relationships that create a sense of belonging. By doing so, social engagement strengthens the social fabric and promotes a spirit of collective well-being. Additionally, it encompasses cultural engagement, which highlights the importance of preserving traditions, celebrating diversity, and promoting creative expression. These cultural activities enrich communities, helping to create inclusive environments that honor different backgrounds and identities. Lastly, legal aspect engagement advocates for justice within established legal frameworks, pushing for social change through legal advocacy, civil rights support, and law reform efforts. Civic engagement also extends globally, addressing international issues like human rights abuses and global inequality, showing that collective action and solidarity are essential in overcoming challenges that affect people worldwide.

Civic engagement operates at multiple levels, each contributing to a broader movement toward a more participatory and just society. At the individual level, civic engagement begins with personal actions that positively impact the community and society. This includes activities such as voting, volunteering, educating oneself on social or political issues, and advocating for change through personal efforts. These individual actions form the cornerstone of civic involvement, laying the groundwork for a more engaged and aware society.

At the group or organizational level, individuals unite within structured groups or non for profit organizations to tackle specific social issues or meet community needs. This type of engagement involves joining advocacy groups, supporting local non-for-profits, or collaborating with others to organize campaigns or events that promote social well-being. Moving to the community level, collective action addresses shared concerns like justice, standing against hate, advocating for policy changes, or participating in local social initiatives. Beyond the community, institutional engagement focuses on working within or with established institutions—such as schools, governments, businesses, and healthcare systems—by serving on boards, influencing policy, or advocating for systemic reforms. Finally, at the global level, civic engagement extends beyond national borders, addressing worldwide issues like human rights, global inequality, and peace. Standing up against occupation, tyranny and oppression are of the main objectives of civic engagement beyond borders. This level emphasizes the interconnectedness of global challenges and the shared responsibility to work toward a fairer, more sustainable future for all.

Civic engagement, in all its forms, plays an essential role in building resilient communities. When individuals actively participate in political, social, economic, cultural, and global issues, they contribute to the creation of a society that values equity, justice, and collective well-being.

By fostering active participation in the decision-making processes, encouraging public discourse, and engaging with institutions and policies, civic engagement creates a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient society. Whether through direct action, community-building initiatives, or global advocacy, it empowers people to shape the future and ensure that the voices of all citizens are heard..

Positive Integration ; Confronting Hatred and Islamophobia

Posted on November 9, 2024 by samermajzoub

Positive Integration ; Confronting Hatred and Islamophobia

*Samer Majzoub

Positive integration is considered one of the key social concepts that reflect constructive interaction between individuals from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds within society. In a world that is increasingly diverse, with movements and migrations of people from different cultures, positive integration stands out as a fundamental tool to enhance peaceful coexistence and build diverse communities based on equality, justice, and mutual respect. From this perspective, positive integration becomes not only a social necessity but also an inevitable legal issue related to the right of citizenry. It is also a crucial tool in confronting hatred and racism, such as Islamophobia, which hinder coexistence and interaction among members of society.

The Concept of Positive Integration

Positive integration is an ongoing process aimed at integrating individuals into society in a way that enhances their ability to actively participate in social, economic, and political life without losing their cultural or religious identity. Positive integration involves building a bridge of understanding between individuals from diverse backgrounds, with the goal of creating a society where everyone shares the same rights and duties.

Positive integration can be classified into several types, including:

Cultural Integration: This refers to the exchange of cultures between different groups within society while maintaining the cultural uniqueness of individuals and communities. This type manifests in mutual interaction between religions, languages, and traditions, which leads to enhanced mutual understanding and reduced cultural tensions.
Social Integration: This focuses on integrating individuals into social networks within the community, such as schools, workplaces, and social activities. The goal is to achieve interaction between individuals from different backgrounds, which contributes to building healthy and cohesive social relationships.
Economic Integration: This aims to integrate individuals into economic life by providing job opportunities without discrimination and ensuring they have full access to economic services provided by both governmental and private financial institutions.
Political Integration: This includes empowering individuals to actively participate in political life through voting rights, candidacy for public office, and involvement in decision-making. This type contributes to ensuring that all societal groups are represented in public authorities and have a role in shaping their own future.

Citizenry Rights and Positive Integration

The right to citizenry is the foundational pillar upon which positive integration is built in any society. Citizenry is not just a legal relationship with the state; it is a social bond that guarantees all members of society equal rights and duties. By guaranteeing the right of citizenry, individuals gain the right to fully participate in public life and enjoy the political, social, and economic rights provided by society.

Positive integration is closely tied to the right of citizenry, as it involves empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to gain equal opportunities in various areas of life. Citizenry transcends the legal aspect to include social and psychological dimensions, ensuring that every individual feels a sense of belonging and equality in rights, which enhances their active participation in society.

Islamophobia and Hatred: The Challenges Facing Positive Integration

Muslims suffer from Islamophobia, which is an unjustified fear or hatred of Islam and Muslims. This dangerous phenomenon manifests in practices such as workplace discrimination, physical or verbal assaults, and violent terrorism targeting Muslim citizens and residents. In addition, negative stereotypes are often spread through media outlets. Islamophobia is considered one of the major challenges facing positive integration.

Hatred and racism, in general, also pose significant barriers to social integration, as they encourage social divisions and increase tensions between societal groups. Consequently, positive integration becomes an effective tool to confront these phenomena, as it contributes to fostering mutual understanding and cooperation among all members of society.

Positive integration is a vital process that ensures individuals from diverse cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds can live together in peace and equality. It is closely linked to the right of citizenry, which represents the foundation for achieving justice and equality within society. In confronting challenges such as Islamophobia and racial hatred, positive integration can be an effective solution for building a cohesive society that recognizes the rights of all its members and fosters peaceful coexistence and cooperation for the common good.

Interest Rates Cuts : Impacts and Challenges

Posted on October 28, 2024 by samermajzoub

*Samer Majzoub

Bank of Canada Cuts Interest Rates: Impacts and Challenges

The Bank of Canada recently announced a cut in interest rates, a move aimed at stimulating economic growth amidst prevailing uncertainties. This decision is expected to have several positive impacts, along with some challenges and potential negative consequences.

Expected Positive Impacts

Increased Consumer Spending: Lower interest rates generally lead to reduced borrowing costs for consumers. This encourages spending on big-ticket items like homes and vehicles, potentially boosting economic activity.
Support for Businesses: Businesses may benefit from cheaper loans, enabling them to invest in expansion, hire more staff, and innovate. This can foster job creation and enhance productivity.
Boost to Housing Market: With lower mortgage rates, the housing market could see renewed interest, making home ownership more accessible and stimulating related sectors like construction and home goods.

Possible Challenges Ahead

Inflationary Pressures: While lower rates can stimulate growth, they may also exacerbate inflation. If demand outpaces supply, prices could rise, counteracting the benefits of lower borrowing costs.
Financial Stability Risks: Sustained low rates might encourage excessive risk-taking among investors, potentially leading to asset bubbles in housing or stock markets.
Dependence on Low Rates: An extended period of low interest rates could make the economy overly reliant on cheap credit, hindering long-term growth prospects.

Potential Negative Impacts

Impact on Savings: Lower interest rates can diminish returns on savings accounts and fixed-income investments, affecting individuals who rely on interest income, particularly retirees.
Debt Accumulation: Easier access to credit may lead to higher levels of consumer and corporate debt, increasing vulnerability to economic downturns if borrowing becomes unsustainable.
Currency Weakness: A rate cut may weaken the Canadian dollar, making imports more expensive and potentially leading to a trade imbalance.

In conclusion, while the Bank of Canada’s interest rate cut aims to boost economic growth, it comes with a complex mix of benefits and challenges that policymakers will need to navigate carefully to ensure long-term stability.

Nb: Points mentioned in the article are expectations’ based. The market rules it self.

محمد رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: نبي الرحمة من البعث إلى نشر الرسالة وبناء المجتمع الإنساني والدولة

Posted on September 15, 2024 by samermajzoub

محمد رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: نبي الرحمة من البعث إلى نشر الرسالة وبناء المجتمع الإنساني والدولة

كان النبي محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم خاتم الانبياء و رسول الرحمة للعالمين .، فقد كان رسولا من عند الله لخير البشرية جمعاء . كان قائدًا مصلحًا ومؤسسًا لمجتمع ودولة على أسس الرحمة والعدالة. نزلت رسالة الإسلام عليه لتغير مجرى التاريخ، بدءًا من بعثته التي كانت نقطة تحول جوهرية في حياة البشرية، مرورًا بنشر الرسالة وإرساء قواعد المجتمع الإنساني، وانتهاءً بتأسيس دولة متماسكة ومؤثرة.

البعثة و نشر الرسالة

بدأت رحلة النبي محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم في عام 610 ميلادي عندما نزل عليه الوحي لأول مرة في غار حراء. كانت البعثة بمثابة بداية جديدة للعالم، حيث جاء النبي برسالة توحيدية تدعو إلى عبادة الله وحده، وتنبذ الوثنية وتروج لقيم الأخلاق والعدالة. لقد واجه النبي محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم تحديات كبيرة من قريش وأعداء الدعوة الجديدة، ولكنه صبر وعانى في سبيل نشر الرسالة.

بعد فترة من الدعوة في مكة، والتي كانت مليئة بالصعوبات والمضايقات، أُذن للنبي محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم بالهجرة إلى المدينة المنورة في عام 622 ميلادي. كانت الهجرة بداية فترة جديدة في مسيرة الدعوة، حيث بدأت الرسالة تنتشر بشكل أوسع. في المدينة، قام النبي محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم ببناء مجتمع جديد قائم على مبادئ الإسلام، وشرع في تحقيق أهداف الرسالة من خلال تعزيز قيم الأخوة والتعاون والتراحم بين أبناء المدينة .

بناء المجتمع الإنساني:

عقب وصوله إلى المدينة، قام النبي محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم بإرساء أسس المجتمع الإنساني من خلال عدة خطوات هامة. أبرزها:

– ميثاق المدينة؛ وهو دستور يضمن حقوق وواجبات جميع سكان المدينة، سواء كانوا مسلمين أو غير مسلمين. كان هذا الميثاق يعكس روح التعاون والتعايش السلمي، ويضع أسسًا لعدالة اجتماعية تشمل الجميع.

-العدالة والمساواة: قاد النبي محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم بإرادة صلبة لتحقيق العدالة بين أفراد المجتمع، وضمان حقوق الفقراء والمحتاجين. أرسى نظامًا قضائيًا عادلًا، وعزز المساواة بين الجميع بغض النظر عن خلفيتهم الاجتماعية.

-التعليم والتربية: ركز النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم على أهمية العلم والتربية. فقد كانت المساجد والمدارس مراكز لتعليم الدين والدنيا، مما ساهم في بناء مجتمع مثقف ومتعلم.

بناء الدولة:

بتوحيد قبائل المدينة وإقامة ميثاق المدينة، بدأ النبي محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم في تأسيس دولة في تاريخ الاسلامي تتمتع بنظام سياسي واجتماعي متكامل. وقد شملت جوانب هذه الدولة:

– الحكم الرشيد: كان النبي محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم مثالًا للحكم الرشيد والعادل، حيث مارس السياسة وفقًا لأحكام التعاليم الدين الحنيف.

– ارساء الاقتصاد العادل : ساهم النبي محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم في تطوير نظام اقتصادي عادل يشمل الزكاة والصدقات، مما ساعد في تحسين مستوى معيشة الأفراد وتعزيز التضامن الاجتماعي.

– العلاقات العامة : أقام النبي محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم علاقات دبلوماسية مع القبائل والجماعات المختلفة، وعزز السلام والتعاون مع الأطراف “الخارجية” خارج المدينة المنورة .

في الخلاصة

لقد كانت حياة النبي محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم مليئة بالتحديات والإنجازات التي أثرت بشكل عميق في تاريخ البشرية. من بعثته ونشره للرسالة إلى بناء المجتمع الإنساني والدولة، قدم النبي محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم نموذجًا متميزًا في القيادة والرحمة والعدالة. لقد أسس نموذجًا لمجتمع قائم على القيم الإنسانية، وأرسى أسس دولة عادلة ومزدهرة، مما يجعله قدوة للإصلاح والإلهام و الخلاص في كل عصر ومكان الى ان نقوم الساعة .

سامر مجذوب

French elections; a rare political scene worthy of attention!

Posted on July 8, 2024 by samermajzoub

*Samer Majzoub

The “risky political move”
Following the gains made by the so-called French far right, led by Marine Le Pen, in the European Parliament elections, French President Emmanuel Macron pulled off a stunning political surprise by calling for early parliamentary elections. Many criticized the French president’s call for parliamentary elections and the dissolution of the National Assembly, which has 577 seats. This was especially true given the strong opinion polls that predicted a landslide victory for Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN).

First round outcomes causing a fear “flood”
The first round of voting produced a historic victory for the “extreme” far-right movement, which unleashed a wave of “fear” and acute anxiety that engulfed the political and media landscapes of France and Europe in particular, as well as the entire world. Columnists occupied themselves with analyzing the extent to which Marine Le Pen and her supporters in the National Rally (RN) could lead France and the implications this would have both locally and for the future of Western Europe in general. Most of these political commentators predicted bleak political futures, which would be particularly apparent in France, a country that has long grappled with social and economic problems.

Following the first round’s outcomes; an uncommon political environment and the potency of civil society
A surprisingly unique political situation began to take shape as the first round election results were announced and the anticipation of a political “earthquake” intensified. A number of political groups, including some that are fundamentally at odds with each other politically and ideologically, have called for concerted efforts and strategic electoral coalitions with the aim of preventing National Rally (RN) from winning enough seats in parliament to create a new government. In electoral districts where there is intense competition from far-right candidates, over 210 candidates from different political parties and currents withdrew. This was done to prevent the NR candidates from winning seats in the National Assembly through the split of votes.

In a dramatic manner seldom seen in political theater, this new development of the unexpected political alliances turned the equation upside down. Political parties being willing to drop their candidates in order to form an alliance is not a custom in the public sphere. Furthermore, something else that stood out in this context was the candidates’ willingness to step down in favor of others from different political backgrounds, which is difficult given that some may have wanted to be in the forefront for a variety of reasons.

For its part, the civil society quickly and uniquely mobilized the voters through a popular movement and mass mobilization, calling on the French people to vote and defend the “values of the Republic” against what they described as “extremism.”

The election results from the second round were favourable
Even the most astute and knowledgeable political analysts were taken aback by the results of the second round of elections, which saw the left-wing NFP alliance emerge as the largest force in the French parliament without securing the parliamentary majority necessary to form a government on its own. The far-right fared poorly in the election. Instead, in the second round, the RN dropped from first place to third place just one week ago. The fact that President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance, often referred to as the “center-right,” came in second place despite predictions of a significant defeat also attracted a lot of attention.

The “populist” policies and the new political environment;
The visibility of policies labeled as “populist” in the public domain is nothing new in French political discourse. Even though they may be more “aggressive” in general, the extreme far right is not the only group following this trend. Long-standing populist and Islamophobic policies have been visible in the political sphere, justifying discrimination against large segments of French society, particularly women, under a variety of pretexts.

A new picture has been drawn that will take some time to shape new policies, if any, with the “political mixture” that was produced by the election results: the Center-right, the Gaullists, the Leftist Alliance with all of its trends, and others.

What comes next

The unexpected election results will undoubtedly have an impact beyond national boundaries, even in terms of morality. In Quebec, for instance, some people may have been “hopping” on Le Pen’s win because they believed it would influence the political and social climate in the province.

Moreover, the French elections coincide with the Conservative Party’s recent crushing defeat in Britain, exacerbating the unfavourable perception of the Conservative brand in the West for the time being.
Furthermore, due to the fact that no political party was able to secure a comfortable majority, coalitions between parties that differ politically, intellectually, and economically are necessary for government. France will experience a temporary political crisis as a result of this.