Key facts
- Jordan Bardella, leader of France's National Rally, visited Poland to seek nationalist allies.
- Bardella plans to cut France's EU budget contribution by 50%.
- He aims to build a new European architecture and reshape the EU.
- Bardella met with Polish President Karol Nawrocki and leaders from the Law and Justice party.
- He is also seeking alliances with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Jordan Bardella, the leader of France's far-right National Rally, visited Poland to court nationalist and conservative partners as he prepares for a potential run for the French presidency in 2027. Bardella reiterated his plan to cut France's contribution to the EU budget by 50%, a more aggressive stance than previously indicated, aiming to build a new European architecture.
During his press conference at the Polish parliament, Bardella stated the visit was a key step in his European tour and that he had a "very fruitful" meeting with Polish President Karol Nawrocki. They discussed Europe's current direction, with Nawrocki engaged in a political battle with Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Bardella's trip follows the loss of his high-profile ally, former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. He is seeking new ties with leaders like Nawrocki and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Historically, relations between the National Rally and Poland's Law and Justice party (PiS) have been complicated by PiS's hardline stance on Russia, a past point of contention for the French far-right.
Bardella also met with the smaller Confederation Freedom and Independence party, which shares seats with the National Rally in the European Parliament. He emphasized his ambition to "think big and to build a new European architecture" and indicated that many in the EU would be allies, including unexpected ones.
Bardella is awaiting a French appeals court decision on July 7 regarding his mentor Marine Le Pen's convictions, which could impact his own candidacy. Polls suggest he could win the first round of the presidential election and narrowly win a runoff. He has also sought common ground with Germany's Friedrich Merz on issues like regulation and migration, signaling an ability to manage relations with more mainstream EU partners.