The attitude of French far-right forces toward Russia has not been uniform; however, on the 19th of September, the National Rally (RN) issued an unusual statement condemning Moscow, reports Politico.
In a joint statement, RN President Jordan Bardella and RN presidential candidate Marine Le Pen declared that they would never tolerate attempts by a foreign power—in this case, Russia—to directly or indirectly influence national policy through intimidation, threats, destabilization, and psychological pressure. The statement cited Russia’s confiscation of assets belonging to several companies, including the French retailer Auchan and the Swiss food giant Nestlé. Such actions were described as hostile acts against the interests of France and European nations, warranting strong condemnation.
The statement was released after French President Emmanuel Macron convened a crisis meeting on the 18th of September, during which political leaders—including Bardella—were briefed on threats arising from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East.
Le Pen and Bardella also referred to explosive-laden drones discovered at Leipzig Airport in August, which German authorities have linked to Russia. Leaders of the far-right forces wrote that no provocations, covert operations, or attempts to destabilize the security situation would prompt France to assist Russia in its war against Ukraine.
The statement marks a rare instance of unity within the party
regarding whether the Kremlin should be considered an enemy. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 exposed rifts within the party’s ranks. Le Pen has traditionally maintained a pro-Russian stance; she has met with Russian dictator Putin in the past, and her party received a €9.4 million loan from a Czech-Russian bank linked to the Kremlin. Bardella, a Member of the European Parliament, has made no secret of his view that Russia poses a threat to both France and Europe as a whole.
Le Pen, who hopes to win the presidency next year, is willing to supply weaponry to Ukraine but has ruled out providing financial support to Kyiv. The RN leaders’ statement emphasizes that taking a firm stand against hostile actions is not incompatible with a diplomatic end to the war.
The RN is expected to release its pre-election campaign guidelines by the end of the year, thereby clarifying its position on Russia and Ukraine.
Read also: France is also not ready for the threat posed by cheap drones