The leader of France's far-right National Rally (RN) Jordan Bardella has welcomed for the most part concerns raised about Europe in US President Donald Trump's new National Security Strategy. Last week, the White House published a document which outlined Trump's vision of the world and the state of the European continent, which many have characterised as harshly critical of Europe. Speaking to the BBC's Nick Robinson for his Political Thinking podcast, Bardella praised what he said was Trump's appeal to American pride - but he made clear he did not want Europe to be subservient to any major power.
Bardella acknowledged that there is a wind of freedom, of national pride blowing all over Western democracies. In a wide-ranging interview, the 30-year-old, who opinion polls suggest leads in the race to be France's next president, was also challenged on the RN's political history and his stance on immigration.
Bardella stated that he shared the majority of the concerns outlined by the Trump administration about Europe facing civilisational erasure, which the White House attributed to a range of policies including migration. He emphasized that mass immigration and government laxity over the past three decades threaten the balance of French society.
The RN recently gained prominence in the French parliament after snap elections in June 2024. While Marine Le Pen, the party's figurehead, faces difficulties regarding her candidacy due to a legal issue, Bardella is poised as a potential successor.
He highlighted his intent to campaign on a platform of national recovery for France, distancing himself from the troubling history of the RN's precursor, the National Front, under Jean-Marie Le Pen. Bardella affirmed his commitment to addressing immigration and national security, stating his plans to close radical mosques and ban hate preachers if he gains power.
Bardella's vision also extends to economic restructuring, promising to reduce excessive taxation and regulation as well as a stance against military intervention in Ukraine, favoring diplomatic solutions.
As he prepares for a potential candidacy in the 2027 presidential election, Bardella acknowledges the expectations for change among the French populace, underscoring his commitment to unifying the country.
Bardella acknowledged that there is a wind of freedom, of national pride blowing all over Western democracies. In a wide-ranging interview, the 30-year-old, who opinion polls suggest leads in the race to be France's next president, was also challenged on the RN's political history and his stance on immigration.
Bardella stated that he shared the majority of the concerns outlined by the Trump administration about Europe facing civilisational erasure, which the White House attributed to a range of policies including migration. He emphasized that mass immigration and government laxity over the past three decades threaten the balance of French society.
The RN recently gained prominence in the French parliament after snap elections in June 2024. While Marine Le Pen, the party's figurehead, faces difficulties regarding her candidacy due to a legal issue, Bardella is poised as a potential successor.
He highlighted his intent to campaign on a platform of national recovery for France, distancing himself from the troubling history of the RN's precursor, the National Front, under Jean-Marie Le Pen. Bardella affirmed his commitment to addressing immigration and national security, stating his plans to close radical mosques and ban hate preachers if he gains power.
Bardella's vision also extends to economic restructuring, promising to reduce excessive taxation and regulation as well as a stance against military intervention in Ukraine, favoring diplomatic solutions.
As he prepares for a potential candidacy in the 2027 presidential election, Bardella acknowledges the expectations for change among the French populace, underscoring his commitment to unifying the country.
