French far-right leader: We will not abandon Ukraine, but support must be reviewed
Jordan Bardella, leader of France's far-right National Rally party, has said that France's unconditional support for Ukraine should be replaced with a relationship that delivers greater benefits for France.
Source: Bardella on Saturday in an interview with Bloomberg TV, as reported by European Pravda
Details: The politician said that France's dire financial situation means the country should receive something in return for providing military aid to Kyiv. Bardella is likely to become prime minister if Marine Le Pen wins next year's presidential election.
"We are drowning in debt. We are drowning in deficits. And it is irresponsible to make spending commitments and promise financial support to a country without any guarantees," Bardella said.
"Everything needs to be reviewed," he added.
Meanwhile, he stressed that support for Ukraine would not be completely halted if National Rally came to power.
"This war has been going on for a very long time. For years, we have been calling for a ceasefire and sufficient security guarantees for Ukraine. So this is not about abandoning Ukraine. France has commitments. It supports Ukraine and will have to continue honouring that commitment so that Ukraine can defend its borders and territorial integrity," the politician said.
He praised the US approach of demanding something from Ukraine in return for its support, referring to the agreement granting access to Ukrainian mineral resources.
Meanwhile, he wants Ukraine to guarantee that the financial support it receives from European countries is used exclusively to purchase equipment from those countries' defence industries.
Background:
- Previously, French presidential candidates – far-right leader Marine Le Pen and former prime minister Édouard Philippe – clashed over Le Pen's National Rally party's pledge to halt aid to Ukraine.
- France's presidential election will be held in two rounds in late April and early May 2027. Far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen remains ahead in the polls.
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