French Far-Right Removes Controversial Defence Policies from Website

The French far-right party “National Rally” has removed sections of its defence programme from its website, specifically parts advocating closer ties with Russia, terminating cooperation projects with Germany, and exiting NATO’s integrated military command.

These removed policies were introduced during Marine Le Pen’s 2022 presidential campaign, when her party released 17 thematic booklets outlining their proposals across all areas of policy.

While 16 of these booklets remain available online, the defence booklet was taken down from the webpage after 11 June. However, it can still be found on the internet.

During the 2022 campaign, National Rally’s manifesto promoted distancing from Washington and stated an intention to seek relations with Moscow. Le Pen’s programme at that time suggested forming an “alliance with Russia on certain issues” such as European security and combating terrorism, noting that Washington “does not always behave as an ally of France”.

The now-removed document also called for France to immediately withdraw from NATO’s integrated military command and proposed ending military cooperation projects with Germany, citing “deep and irreconcilable doctrinal, operational, and industrial differences with Berlin“. Specific projects mentioned included the joint development of next-generation battle tanks and fighter jets.

Shifting Positions

In recent months, National Rally has softened some of its most controversial positions.

In March, National Rally MPs abstained from voting on military aid to Ukraine, whereas MPs from the left-wing “Unsubmissive France” voted against it.

That same month, the rising star of National Rally and its president, Jordan Bardella, stated in an interview that France should wait for the end of the war in Ukraine before leaving NATO’s integrated command. Bardella aims to become prime minister if National Rally wins the parliamentary elections.

In their programme for the 2024 European elections, National Rally did not repeat the 2022 proposals. Instead, they asserted that “Russia violates international law and provokes a revision of the international order“.

Political Implications

In conversation with Politico, a National Rally representative said that Bardella will present his programme, including defence policies, in the coming days.

Even if National Rally secures a majority in the French parliament, President Macron will remain in office for three more years, retaining responsibility for defence and foreign policy.

Meanwhile, President Macron’s party has decided not to field candidates in dozens of constituencies to curb both far-right and left-wing advances.

The strategic removal of these contentious policies from the National Rally’s platform appears to be a calculated move to broaden their appeal ahead of upcoming elections. The shift reflects a pragmatic approach to align with more moderate positions on international relations and military alliances, likely aimed at enhancing their electoral prospects in a politically divided France.

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