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 made clear he did not want Europe to be 'subservient to any major power.' He said there was a 'wind of freedom, of national pride blowing all over Western democracies.'
In the interview, the 30-year-old, who leads in polls for the upcoming presidential race, addressed the RN's political history, especially regarding immigration. He expressed shared concerns with the Trump administration regarding Europe facing 'civilisational erasure,' acknowledging that '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.' He foresees triggering a referendum to regain control of immigration policies, a significant point of contention in French political discourse.
Bardella, who emphasized collaboration with Marine Le Pen, the party's figurehead, dismissed suggestions of rivalry, asserting their united commitment to the party's goals. He laid out his vision for a France that prioritizes national values and identity, distancing himself from historic accusations against the RN and underscoring the importance of secularism. Amid a backdrop of rising immigration debates and economic challenges, the far-right's future influence remains pivotal as France approaches its next major electoral tests.
In the interview, the 30-year-old, who leads in polls for the upcoming presidential race, addressed the RN's political history, especially regarding immigration. He expressed shared concerns with the Trump administration regarding Europe facing 'civilisational erasure,' acknowledging that '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.' He foresees triggering a referendum to regain control of immigration policies, a significant point of contention in French political discourse.
Bardella, who emphasized collaboration with Marine Le Pen, the party's figurehead, dismissed suggestions of rivalry, asserting their united commitment to the party's goals. He laid out his vision for a France that prioritizes national values and identity, distancing himself from historic accusations against the RN and underscoring the importance of secularism. Amid a backdrop of rising immigration debates and economic challenges, the far-right's future influence remains pivotal as France approaches its next major electoral tests.
