National Rally leaders Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella condemn Russia for hybrid attacks and pressure on France

Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen, leaders of the French far-right National Rally party, on Saturday condemned Russia for pressure, threats and destabilization efforts directed against France and Europe. The statement was published after a crisis meeting convened on Friday by President Emmanuel Macron, at which political leaders were briefed on threats linked to the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East.

Bardella and Le Pen denounced Russia’s confiscation of assets owned by Western companies that still operate on Russian territory, including the French chain Auchan and the Swiss group Nestlé. The two described the measure as a hostile act against the interests of France and Europe.

The party leaders also referred to the drone attack at Leipzig Airport, which German authorities attributed to Russia. They said that no clandestine operation or destabilization attempt would lead France to support Moscow’s war objectives in Ukraine.

The joint position represents a significant shift for a party divided over its relationship with the Kremlin. Le Pen previously took a more favorable stance toward Russia, while Bardella has portrayed Moscow as a threat to France and Europe. The party is expected to publish its electoral program before the end of the year.