French far-right leader Bardella visits Brussels to rally allies

French far-right leader Jordan Bardella is set to deliver a speech at the Flemish Parliament in Brussels, hosted by the Flemish nationalist party Vlaams Belang. Bardella, who is leading in polls for the 2027 French presidential election, is using the visit to consolidate ties with European political allies. Vlaams Belang, an anti-immigration party advocating for Flanders' independence, described Bardella as a highly influential European political figure.

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Jordan Bardella is today perceived as one of the most influential political leaders in Europe.

The visit is framed as an opportunity for Bardella to present his vision for France and its implications for the European project. This aligns with the National Rally's (RN) broader strategy to leverage alliances for greater influence in European debates, particularly if Bardella wins the presidency in 2027. "These are opportunities seized by our allies for Jordan Bardella to present his project for France and its impact on the European project," stated RN MEP Fabrice Leggeri.

Bardella has recently engaged in similar high-profile meetings across Europe. He appeared in Porto with André Ventura, leader of the Portuguese far-right, and in Milan with Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini. These gatherings with ultraconservative leaders underscore his efforts to build a network of like-minded politicians.

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These are opportunities seized by our allies for Jordan Bardella to present his project for France and its impact on the European project.

Beyond traditional allies, Bardella is also expanding his diplomatic outreach. He has held discussions with ambassadors from the United States, Egypt, the UAE, and Germany. "This allows us to forge political links with countries or governments with which we feel we would like to work," explained Leggeri. Bardella also extended an overture to German conservative leader Friedrich Merz, highlighting ideological common ground on border control and immigration.

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This allows us to forge political links with countries or governments with which we feel we would like to work.