Key facts
- French far-right leader Jordan Bardella plans to cut France's EU budget contribution by 50%.
- Bardella stated that the next French executive must have a say in the EU budget.
- He rejected any form of interference or endorsement from Donald Trump.
- Bardella pledged to uphold security commitments to Eastern flank NATO allies.
- He aims to build alliances with nationalist leaders such as Italy's Giorgia Meloni.
Jordan Bardella, the leader of France's National Rally party, has indicated a firm stance on European Union policy, potentially shattering hopes of a more moderate approach from the French far-right. In an interview with POLITICO, Bardella outlined plans to significantly cut France's contribution to the EU budget, proposing a 50 percent reduction. He criticized the EU's budget-setting process as undemocratic and vowed that a future French government led by his party would assert control over these contributions.
Bardella also distanced himself from U.S. President Donald Trump, describing his actions as erratic and rejecting any potential endorsement. He stated that the National Rally seeks support only from French voters and does not need external interference. Ahead of a trip to Poland, Bardella sought to reassure European allies regarding his party's stance on NATO, emphasizing that treaty frameworks should not be redefined during wartime. He endorsed increasing defense spending to 3 percent of GDP by 2030-2035 and committed to upholding security guarantees for Eastern European allies.
Furthermore, Bardella expressed his intention to forge alliances with like-minded nationalist leaders across Europe, specifically mentioning Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the Polish Law and Justice party. He also touched upon his personal life, confirming his relationship with Italian princess Maria Carolina de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles, though he stated she does not engage in politics.