Key facts
- France's National Rally party condemned Russia's actions as a hostile act.
- Party leaders Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen stated Russia's actions seek to dictate French policy through intimidation.
- The condemnation was prompted by Russia's seizure of assets from companies operating in Russia, including Auchan and Nestlé.
- The party leaders cited the August drone attack at Leipzig airport, attributed to Russia, as a provocation.
- The statement marks a rare show of unity for the National Rally, which has been divided on its stance toward Russia.
- Marine Le Pen has historically held a warmer stance toward Russia and met Vladimir Putin in the past.
Leaders of France's far-right National Rally party issued an unusual joint statement on Saturday condemning Russia's actions, including the seizure of assets from companies operating in the country, as a "hostile act" against French and European interests. Party president Jordan Bardella and presidential candidate Marine Le Pen stated that they "will never tolerate a foreign power, in this case, Russia, seeking to dictate, directly or indirectly, the policy of our country through intimidation, threats, destabilization or psychological pressure."
The remarks were made following a crisis meeting chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron, where political leaders were briefed on threats posed by Russia's war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East. Bardella and Le Pen also referenced the August drone attack at Leipzig airport, which German authorities attributed to Russia, stating that "No provocation, clandestine operation, or destabilization effort could lead France to facilitate Russia’s achievement of its war aims in Ukraine."
The statement signifies a rare moment of unity within the National Rally, a party historically divided on its approach to the Kremlin. Le Pen has previously shown a warmer stance towards Russia, having met President Vladimir Putin and her party having taken a €9.4 million loan from a Czech-Russian bank, which has since been repaid. Bardella, a member of the European Parliament, has more consistently portrayed Russia as a threat to France and Europe. Le Pen has indicated openness to supplying military equipment to Ukraine but opposes further financial aid.