Key facts
- Jordan Bardella is the leader of the National Rally party.
- Bardella plans to cut France's EU budget contribution by 50%.
- He aims to be elected president in 2027.
- Bardella wants to deepen ties with nationalist allies in the EU.
- He intends to reshape the EU from within.
- Discussions included NATO and Donald Trump.
Jordan Bardella, the leader of France's far-right National Rally party, has announced his intention to significantly reduce France's financial contribution to the European Union budget by half if he is elected president in 2027. Bardella articulated a vision for reshaping the EU from within, emphasizing the need to deepen ties with nationalist allies across the continent. His policy proposals extend to discussions regarding France's role within NATO and potential future diplomatic and economic relationships with Donald Trump. Bardella also touched upon personal aspects of his life during his public statements. The proposed budget cut represents a substantial shift in France's financial commitment to the EU, potentially impacting various EU programs and initiatives. Bardella's strategy involves leveraging alliances with like-minded nationalist parties to collectively influence EU policy and governance, aiming for a more decentralized and nation-state-centric bloc. His remarks signal a potential realignment of France's foreign policy and its engagement with international organizations, including a re-evaluation of its commitments to collective security frameworks like NATO.