France’s National Rally condemns Russia’s actions — Politico Europe
Leaders of France’s far-right National Rally party, Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen, issued a joint statement condemning the actions of Russia, an aggressor state. They said they would not tolerate attempts by a foreign state to influence French politics through “intimidation, threats, destabilization or psychological pressure.”
Statement after crisis meeting
As Politico Europe reports, the statement came after a crisis meeting convened by French President Emmanuel Macron the previous day. The meeting of political leaders, attended by Bardella, discussed threats related to Russia’s war against Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East.
Bardella and Le Pen also mentioned Russia’s seizure of the assets of companies that continued operating in Russia, including French retailer Auchan and Swiss company Nestlé. In their view, this is a “hostile act against the interests of France and European nations” that should be firmly condemned.
Differences over the Kremlin
In their statement, the politicians referred to an August drone attack on Leipzig Airport, which German authorities linked to Russia. “No provocation, covert operation or attempt at destabilization can force France to help Russia achieve its military goals in Ukraine,” they said.
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The joint position was unusual for the party, where there had been differences over whether to consider the Kremlin an enemy. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 exposed these contradictions. Le Pen had previously taken a more Russia-friendly position and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Her party also took out a €9.4 million loan from a Czech-Russian bank linked to the Kremlin, which it later repaid.
Bardella, a member of the European Parliament, has more actively portrayed Russia as a threat to France and Europe. Le Pen, who hopes to replace Macron as president next year, supports supplying Ukraine with military equipment but rejects providing additional financial assistance to Kyiv. “Firmness in the face of hostile actions and the search for a diplomatic solution to the war are not mutually exclusive,” the statement says.
National Rally is expected to publish its election platform by the end of the year, which may clarify the party’s positions on Ukraine and Russia.
