Rassemblement National to Design New EU Architecture Without Von der Leyen

If the Rassemblement National (RN) secures victory in the upcoming French presidential elections, the party intends to architect a new European Union, explicitly excluding current Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. RN president Jordan Bardella stated in an interview with VRT NWS that von der Leyen has presided over Europe's "decline."

Bardella expressed strong criticism of the European Union's current structure, arguing it is incapable of meeting the economic needs of member states, providing adequate protection, or safeguarding their identities, industries, and agriculture. He believes the EU has too long acted as a "receptionist for immigrants from all over the world." RN advocates for a "Europe of borders," a "powerful Europe," and a "Europe of growth and prosperity" to ensure the continent remains competitive in the 21st century.

Bardella declared that should RN come to power in France, their immediate priority would be to travel to Brussels to begin reshaping the EU. The party aims to repatriate certain powers to member states, specifically citing energy policy and migration as key areas where national control should be reasserted. Bardella emphasized that France would champion this new vision for Europe, envisioning a union of cooperating member states rather than one dominated by a strong central Commission imposing decisions.

RN views the EU's current trajectory as a series of "catastrophes," citing the recently implemented migration pact as an example they would not respect. Bardella intends to hold a binding referendum in France on migration, proposing stringent measures. He asserted that France and Europe have a duty to be powerful and to fulfill their responsibilities. Bardella, alongside Marine Le Pen, aims to establish new leadership for both France and Europe, driven by a vision of national sovereignty within a reformed European framework.

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Ik zie hoe de Europese Unie niet meer in staat is om tegemoet te komen aan de noden van onze economie en onze nood aan bescherming en de gevaren die onze identiteit, economie, industrie en landbouw bedreigen.