
Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s far-right National Rally, distanced themselves from Russia on Saturday, declaring that French policy is set in Paris, not Moscow. In a joint statement, they condemned attempts by Russia to influence France through “intimidation, threats, destabilization or psychological pressure,” adding that no foreign power would dictate the country’s decisions .
The move follows Russia’s recent seizure of local subsidiaries of French and European companies, including retail giant Auchan, under temporary administration. Le Pen and Bardella framed their stance as a rejection of external pressure, stating that “no provocation, no covert operation, and no destabilization action” would lead France to facilitate Russia’s war aims in Ukraine .
Le Pen, a frontrunner in polls for next year’s presidential election, has faced past criticism for her perceived proximity to the Kremlin, including a 2014 loan from a Czech-Russian bank. The statement marks a shift, with both leaders asserting that while debate over France’s diplomatic and strategic direction—including Ukraine support—is legitimate, foreign interference is not .
France’s Foreign and Economy Ministries separately condemned Russia’s seizure of corporate assets on Friday, demanding an immediate reversal .
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