Key facts
- Jordan Bardella plans to cut France's EU budget contribution by 50%.
- Bardella stated a future French government must have a say in the EU budget.
- He rejected potential endorsement from U.S. President Donald Trump, describing his actions as erratic.
- Bardella committed to upholding security guarantees for Eastern European allies and increasing defense spending to 3% of GDP.
- Bardella intends to forge alliances with nationalist leaders, including Italy's Giorgia Meloni and Poland's Law and Justice party.
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.