Bardella Outlines EU Reform Vision, Distances Party from AfD at Lake Como Forum

Jordan Bardella, president of France's Rassemblement National, used a platform at the TEHA economic forum in Cernobbio, Italy, on Saturday to lay out his vision for Europe and France, and to address his party's relationship with Germany's AfD.

On the European Union, Bardella said he is not in favor of leaving the bloc but wants fundamental change. "I am in favor of putting an end to de-growth," he said, calling for "a Europe of growth and a Europe of borders." He argued for scrapping the Green Deal, reducing regulation, and promoting economic patriotism to boost innovation and industry.

Bardella said the first act of a Rassemblement National government would be a "massive simplification of the economy" by removing what he called excessive Green Deal regulations. "We must return to the principle of technological neutrality," he added.

Asked about possible plans to review ties with the AfD, Bardella said no such plans exist, citing ideological disagreements that have already led his party to distance itself from the German far-right party. He noted, however, that the AfD's electoral pressure had helped shift Germany's political landscape, prompting the government to reinstate border controls.

Turning to France's presidential election, Bardella expressed confidence. "We're going to win this presidential election, no matter who we face in the second round," he said, arguing that the real danger for France is not change but continuing as before. He described the country's economic situation as "catastrophic," pointing to a debt of €3,500 billion.

Bardella delivered a sharp critique of outgoing President Emmanuel Macron, calling him the "Mozart of bankruptcy and debt" and accusing him of weakening France through high electricity prices, spiraling debt, and excessive regulation. When pressed for a positive, Bardella acknowledged Macron's reform of apprenticeships and vocational programs as "a step in the right direction."