French nationalist party head rebukes Trump’s influence, calls for sovereign action

Jordan Bardella, president of France’s National Rally and a leading contender for the French presidency, has stated that France does not require guidance from external powers, including US President Donald Trump, while acknowledging the president’s observations on Europe’s current trajectory.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Bardella emphasized his nationalist stance, noting the importance of safeguarding France’s sovereignty and identity. “I’m French, so I’m not happy with vassalage, and I don’t need a big brother like Trump to consider the fate of my country,” he said.

However, Bardella recognized the validity of Trump’s concerns regarding the continent’s long-term stability. “That said, he [Trump] is making a lucid observation on the fact that civilisation is rapidly changing,” Bardella added. He explained that admiration for France and Europe can exist without being European: “Without being European, without being French, one can be attached to France and Europe. When Notre Dame de Paris caught fire, people all over the world wept. That is also the greatness of France. So we cannot be surprised or consider it political interference when people who have legitimately looked upon France and Europe with admiration for years, even centuries, are sad to see it deteriorate today.”

Bardella’s remarks came amid his broader discussions on national sovereignty, migration, and Europe’s political future. He stressed that France must act independently to address challenges such as mass migration and the preservation of national identity.

“My ambition is to make France the least attractive country for mass immigration in Europe,” Bardella said, outlining plans for a referendum on immigration and the establishment of a “double border system” on French and European frontiers to control illegal migration.

The National Rally leader reiterated his commitment to defending French interests without relying on foreign influence, reflecting a core theme of his nationalist platform: “I don’t want my country to disappear. So he [Trump] is right, of course. But France must act for itself.”

The interview took place during Bardella’s visit to London, where he met with Nigel Farage, leader of the British party Reform UK. Despite past allegations of bias and antisemitism directed at the National Rally, Bardella lauded Farage as a “great patriot” and expressed confidence in his potential to become the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

By Vafa Guliyeva