Leaders of France’s far-right National Rally party issued a sharp rebuke of Russia, according to Politico, condemning what they termed direct attempts to dictate national policy through hybrid attacks and asset seizures. Party president Jordan Bardella and presidential candidate Marine Le Pen released a joint statement following a crisis meeting called by French President Emmanuel Macron.
National Rally Condemns Russian Asset Seizures
The joint statement from Bardella and Le Pen labeled the recent nationalization of corporate assets in Russia as a hostile act against French and European interests. According to Politico, the Kremlin used a temporary management procedure to seize local businesses belonging to international firms, including French retail giant Auchan and Swiss food conglomerate Nestlé. The far-right leaders stated that such measures must be definitively condemned, marking a notable shift in tone for a political movement historically divided over its stance toward Moscow.
Security Briefings and Regional Threats
The condemnation followed a closed-door crisis meeting chaired by President Emmanuel Macron. During this session, French political leaders received detailed briefings regarding national security threats stemming from the ongoing war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East. Highlighting these growing security concerns, Bardella and Le Pen also referenced an August drone attack on an airport in Leipzig, an incident that German authorities attributed directly to Russian state actors. NATO officials subsequently dismissed counter-claims from Russian intelligence regarding the Leipzig drone explosion.
Did you know? The National Rally party previously secured a 9.4 million euro campaign loan from a Czech-Russian bank with ties to the Kremlin, a debt that has since been repaid.
Shifting Political Positions on Ukraine
The latest joint declaration highlights internal party dynamics as National Rally prepares to release its comprehensive electoral platform before the end of the year. While Le Pen has historically maintained a more favorable posture toward Russian President Vladimir Putin—including past meetings in Moscow—Bardella has more consistently framed Russia as an active security threat to Europe. Despite past alignments, the party leaders maintained in their statement that no foreign provocation would cause France to facilitate Russian military objectives in Ukraine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did National Rally issue a statement against Russia?
According to Politico, party leaders Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen responded to escalating hybrid attacks, provocations, and the recent seizure of French corporate assets in Russia.
What French companies were affected by Russian asset seizures?
The Russian government used a temporary management procedure to nationalize the local businesses of several international companies, including French retailer Auchan and Swiss food giant Nestlé, as reported by Politico.
How has Marine Le Pen’s stance on Ukraine evolved?
While Le Pen previously held a pro-Russian stance and met with Vladimir Putin, she currently supports delivering military equipment to Ukraine, though she opposes providing further financial assistance.
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