Macron condemns alleged antisemitic remarks by RN leader Bardello, demands clarification
President Emmanuel Macron, speaking from Madrid, denounced recent claims that RN figure Jordan Bardella made antisemitic statements in 2013, calling them grave and unacceptable.
While on a state visit to Madrid, President Emmanuel Macron reacted to a Mediapart report linking Jordan Bardella, now leader of the Rassemblement national, to antisemitic messages written in 2013 during his time as a Front National activist. Macron described the alleged content as "grave and unacceptable," insisting that no antisemitic discourse can be tolerated in the Republic and demanding that the RN provide clarification.
The investigation cites private chats in which Bardella allegedly claimed Jews dominate and control banks and ministries. Bardella responded on CNews, labeling the excerpts as "delirious" and announcing intentions to file a defamation lawsuit against Mediapart. The episode adds pressure on the RN ahead of upcoming electoral contests.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights tensions over extremist rhetoric within France's far-right and tests the government's stance on antisemitism.
How this story developed
- Sep 27 RN Secures Senate Group with Minimum 14 Seats Amid Presidential Campaign
- Sep 28 The RN has secured an official Senate parliamentary group.
- Sep 28 Bardella appeared on CNews, describing the accusations as "perfectly delusional" and denying any responsibility for the alleged statements. He said he would pursue legal action to protect his reputation and suggested the timing was intended to disrupt his campaign. His lawyer described him as combative and hinted at possible motives from former party members. Earlier, Bardella had dismissed the claims on X as fabricated.
- Sep 28 Sylvie Goy‑Chavent, formerly aligned with Les Républicains, joined the RN‑UDR Senate group.
- Sep 28 Bardella formally filed a defamation lawsuit against Mediapart.
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