Bardella courts Polish allies for 'Europe of tomorrow'

Jordan Bardella, the leader of France's far-right National Rally, visited Poland to forge new alliances with nationalist and conservative parties. The visit is part of Bardella's strategy to find partners for his vision of the 'Europe of tomorrow,' particularly after the loss of Viktor Orbán as a high-profile ally.

Bardella met with Polish President Karol Nawrocki and leaders from the nationalist Law and Justice party (PiS), including Jarosław Kaczyński, and Krzysztof Bosak of the Confederation Freedom and Independence party. These meetings are intended to build a coalition to shape the European Union.

Historically, relations between the National Rally and PiS have been complicated by the French party's past perceived closeness to Russia, a sensitive issue in Poland. Bardella has worked to distance himself from pro-Kremlin figures within his party. He also noted common ground with Germany's Friedrich Merz on issues such as curbing migration.

Bardella's efforts coincide with his preparation for a potential run for the French presidency next year. His political future may also be influenced by a French appeals court decision on July 7 regarding his mentor Marine Le Pen's convictions. Bardella has also expressed support for the EU's new Returns Regulation, which facilitates the deportation of rejected asylum seekers.