Jordan Bardella, leader of France's National Rally (RN) party, has indicated agreement with concerns about Europe outlined in a recent US National Security Strategy document. In an interview, Bardella addressed his views on European sovereignty and identified immigration policy as a significant factor affecting European and Western societies. These statements emerge as the RN considers its future leadership for the 2027 French presidential election, following recent parliamentary elections.
Views on European Affairs and Immigration
Bardella's remarks followed the publication last week of a US National Security Strategy document by former President Donald Trump's White House, which presented his perspectives on the global landscape and the state of Europe. In an interview with the BBC's Nick Robinson, Bardella expressed appreciation for what he termed Trump's "appeal to American pride," while simultaneously asserting that he does not want Europe to be "subservient to any major power." He also noted a "wind of freedom, of national pride blowing all over Western democracies."
Bardella conveyed his agreement with the majority of concerns detailed by the Trump administration regarding Europe potentially facing "civilisational erasure." This perspective, as outlined by the White House, is attributed to various policies, including those related to migration. Bardella specifically stated, "Mass immigration and the laxity of our governments in the last 30 years with regard to migration policy are shaking the balance of European countries, of Western societies, and namely French society." He further added, "If tomorrow I am the head of government, France will no longer be the target of mass immigration."
French Political Context
The National Rally emerged as the largest single party in the French parliament following snap parliamentary elections in June 2024, despite an alliance of left-wing parties securing an overall majority. The next French presidential election is scheduled for 2027.
A recent poll conducted for Le Figaro suggested Bardella would achieve 44% of the vote, positioning him ahead of Marine Le Pen, a prominent figure within the RN. Marine Le Pen's potential candidacy for the presidency is currently uncertain due to a conviction for embezzling EU funds and an associated five-year ban from standing in elections. An appeal process, anticipated early next year, will determine her eligibility. Should Le Pen be unable to run, Bardella is widely anticipated to assume the candidacy.
Bardella dismissed suggestions of internal tensions between himself and Le Pen, emphasizing their unity through "trust and friendship." He affirmed, "I will fight by her side so she can win the appeal. Until the appeal we will campaign together, as we will after, hand-in-hand."
Party History
The National Rally was established as the National Front (FN) in 1972 by Jean-Marie Le Pen, Marine Le Pen's father. Jean-Marie Le Pen has multiple convictions for Holocaust denial and held publicly expressed extremist views on race. Jordan Bardella has publicly distanced himself from these historical statements made by Jean-Marie Le Pen, a position that aligns with other RN politicians in recent years.