Key facts
- National Rally President Jordan Bardella signed a migration memorandum of understanding with Reform UK's Nigel Farage.
- The agreement stipulates France will "ordinarily accept" migrants intercepted in the English Channel and returned to French shores.
- The pact is contingent on Reform UK and National Rally taking power in the UK and France, respectively.
- Critics from the far-left, center-right, and far-right have denounced the deal.
- Opponents accuse Bardella of ceding French sovereignty and making France a "subcontractor" for UK border enforcement.
French presidential candidates from across the political spectrum have strongly criticized a memorandum of understanding on migration signed by National Rally President Jordan Bardella and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. The agreement, which states France will "ordinarily accept" migrants intercepted in the English Channel and returned to French shores, is contingent on both parties winning power in their respective countries.
Critics, including conservative regional president Xavier Bertrand, accused Bardella of "bowing down" to Farage and making France a "subcontractor" for UK border enforcement. Left-wing candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon described Bardella as a "fascist" who would turn France into a "gatekeeper" for the UK. Gabriel Attal, leader of President Macron's Renaissance party, questioned Bardella's ability to defend French interests. Center-right candidate Edouard Philippe also commented on the agreement, while Eric Zemmour of the Reconquest party stated that allies should not come at the expense of national integrity.
Notably, Marine Le Pen, another National Rally figure, remained silent on the accord. An individual close to Le Pen expressed skepticism about the plan's feasibility, questioning the logic of returning migrants to France if they are not French.