Jordan Bardella, a prominent ally of French far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen, has dismissed allegations of antisemitic remarks made in 2013 as part of a "total war" aimed at disrupting the party's prospects ahead of the 2027 elections.
Bardella, who leads the National Rally (RN) party, stated that these accusations represent an attempt to "destabilize the presidential campaign" and "kill my political career." The allegations were published by the investigative news website Mediapart, claims Bardella has vehemently denied.
Marine Le Pen expressed her "total confidence" in Bardella, a 31-year-old figure seen as a potential Prime Minister should she win the presidency. Le Pen emphasized that the RN would "counterattack" and warned that opponents would resort to "disgusting things" to impede their momentum in the upcoming election to succeed President Emmanuel Macron.
Recent polling indicates Le Pen could lead the first round of the 2027 presidential election and defeat any opponent in the second round. Le Pen also issued a stern warning to Mediapart, suggesting they would face repercussions for their reporting methods.
Bardella, known for his effective use of social media and a polished public image, has been instrumental in the RN's strategy to present itself as a more electable political force. Both he and Le Pen have worked to distance the party from the legacy of Jean-Marie Le Pen, Marine Le Pen's father and the party's founder, who was known for making antisemitic statements. Bardella's unprecedented visit to Israel in 2025, the first by a French far-right leader, was intended to showcase the RN's evolving credentials.
