Newly re-elected MEP Jordan Bardella presented the National Rally’s program Monday ahead of a snap election that could see him become the country’s next prime minister. Macron dissolved the National Assembly earlier this month after his liberal party was crushed by the National Rally in the European election. French voters head to the polls on June 30 and July 7.
This week’s manifesto is much less controversial than a previous document from the 2022 presidential campaign, pulled out earlier this month, that proposed a closer “alliance” with Russia and exiting NATO. Monday’s document no longer refers to either of these points.
Unsurprisingly, in its new electoral program, the far-right party refuses “transfers of competence” to the EU in terms of defense and foreign policy.
Earlier this year, the European Commission presented a European Defense Industrial Strategy alongside a €1.5 billion cash pot for subsidies in the European Defence Industry Program.
The National Rally also wants to ensure a European preference in arms purchases by European countries. That’s a slight change from the party’s previous policies, which pushed for a French preference in public procurement.
Earlier this month, Bardella said he would provide ammunition to Ukraine but not long-range missiles. Sending troops to the war-torn country is “a red line,” he added.
