PARIS – French far-right leader Jordan Bardella expressed his support for Ukraine’s right to defend itself against Russia on Wednesday. However, he clarified that if he were elected prime minister, he would not provide Kyiv with long-range missiles that could strike Russian territory.
Bardella also affirmed that he would uphold France’s commitments to the NATO military alliance if he became prime minister. The National Rally (RN) party, led by Bardella, is currently leading opinion polls ahead of the snap parliamentary elections on June 30 and July 7. This has raised questions about the foreign policy implications if they gain enough seats to form a government.
“I wish for Ukraine to have at disposal the ammunition and equipment it needs to hold the front, but my red line will not change, which is sending equipment that could have consequences of escalation in eastern Europe,” Bardella told reporters at the Eurosatory arms fair near Paris.
“And so I don’t plan to send, especially, long-range missiles or other weapons that will allow Ukraine to strike Russian territory. My position has not changed and will not change – it’s about support for Ukraine and avoiding all risks of escalation in the region. And I think the risk of escalation is of course real.”
Even if the RN were to run France’s government, Emmanuel Macron would remain as president and the head of France’s army. However, the constitution also grants the prime minister a role in defense matters, with the division of power not being entirely clear cut.
Macron would lose control over the domestic agenda, including economic policy, security, immigration, and finances. This would impact other policies, such as aid to Ukraine, as he would need parliamentary approval to finance any support as part of France’s annual budget.
Bardella also stated he would maintain France’s commitments to its international partners, including increasing defense spending.
“I don’t plan to put into question the commitments made by France on the international level, because there’s a stake regarding credibility towards our European partners as well as towards our NATO allies,” he said.
“And so I plan to pursue the efforts of rearmament of the country, both in terms of its defense capabilities, increasing the military budget through budgetary efforts put in place in past years, which we have supported,” he added.