French nationalist leader Marine Le Pen and National Rally party chief Jordan Bardella condemned Russian actions in a joint statement following Moscow’s decision to place European companies under forced management, including the French department store chain Auchan, according to German news agency DPA. The leaders declared that France’s foreign policy will be decided in Paris rather than Moscow, hardening Le Pen’s historical stance toward the Kremlin as she campaigns for the upcoming presidential election.
French Right Hardens Tone After Auchan Takeover
The diplomatic pivot came directly in response to recent aggressive moves by Moscow. According to DPA, the Kremlin seized control of Russian operations belonging to several European firms, prompting the sharp rebuke from Le Pen and Bardella. The joint statement also pointed to hostile European incidents, such as the discovery of an explosive-laden drone near a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig airport.
“We will never tolerate that a foreign power, in this case Russia, has the hope of dictating policy in our country directly or indirectly through intimidation, threats, destabilization or psychological pressure,” Le Pen and Bardella wrote, as reported by DPA. They emphasized that no provocation or secret operation can trick France into assisting Russian military objectives in Ukraine.
Strategic Orientation and Ukraine Support
While past criticism heavily targeted Le Pen for her financial ties to a Czech-Russian bank in 2014 and her reluctance to distance herself from Vladimir Putin, the new declaration signals a calculated shift. According to DPA, the party leaders acknowledged that discussing national strategic orientation and the exact conditions of support for Ukraine remains entirely legitimate. However, they firmly rejected external pressure from foreign capitals.
Did you know? Marine Le Pen previously faced intense domestic scrutiny over a 2014 loan secured from a Czech-Russian bank, a financial link frequently cited by her political opponents in France.
Presidential Stakes in Upcoming France Elections
This foreign policy hardening unfolds as Le Pen positions herself as a frontrunner for the French presidency next spring. According to DPA polling data, she currently leads the remaining candidates by a wide margin, placing her on solid footing to secure a spot in the runoff vote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Marine Le Pen change her tone toward Russia?
According to DPA, Le Pen and National Rally leader Jordan Bardella hardened their stance after Moscow placed European firms, including the French retailer Auchan, under forced management.
What specific events triggered the joint statement?
The joint statement cited the takeover of European businesses in Russia and recent hostile actions in Europe, including an explosive drone found near a Ukrainian cargo plane at an airport in Leipzig, according to DPA.
How is Le Pen performing in current polls?
According to DPA, Le Pen currently leads the field of candidates by a wide margin in public opinion polls ahead of the presidential election next spring.
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